Churu (Rajasthan) [India], July 9 (ANI): A man who claimed to be an eyewitness to the Indian Air Force Jaguar Trainer aircraft that crashed in Rajasthan's Churu on Wednesday, recalled that the pilot tried their best to avoid any civilian casualties.

Speaking to ANI, Rajdeep said that they also found a diary of the IAF, which they handed over to the local station house officer (SHO).

'I was sitting in my field when I witnessed a sudden plume of smoke...Parts of the pilot's body were found scattered...One diary of the IAF was also found, and we handed it over to the SHO...Pilot tried his best to protect the village, I can say it for sure (avoid a crash there),' he said.

Earlier today, a twin-seater trainer version of the Jaguar fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed near the Churu district of Rajasthan, resulting in the death of two pilots onboard.

The Indian Air Force posted on its official handle on X about the casualties in the accident.

IAF further said that no damage has been caused to any civil property, and a court of inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident.

https://x.com/IAF_MCC/status/1942888015635861696

'An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed near Churu in Rajasthan today. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident. No damage to any civil property has been reported. IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief. A court of inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident,' the Indian Air Force posted.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also expressed condolences on the loss of lives in the incident.

'Received the tragic news of an Indian Air Force aircraft crashing in the Ratangarh area of Churu district. Immediately after the incident, the administration is on alert mode, and instructions have been given to officials for relief and rescue operations. May God grant the departed souls a place at His divine feet and give the grieving families the strength to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!' he posted on X.

The aircraft had taken off from Suratgarh air base with two pilots onboard. (ANI)