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'He died trying to save village': Eyewitness recalls scattered remains, a diary, and a pilot's last act of bravery during fighter jet crash

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NEW DELHI: "The pilot tried his best to save civilian casualties," said an eyewitness after an Indian Air Force Jaguar Trainer aircraft crashed in Rajasthan's Churu on Wednesday.

Rajdeep, the eyewitness, shared the harrowing moment when the jet crashed, adding that parts of the pilot's body were found scattered. He said that they also found a diary of the pilot, 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.

Two pilots lost their lives after the twin-seater trainer version of the Jaguar fighter aircraft of IAF crashed near Rajasthan's Churu.

"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.

CM Bhajanlal Sharma 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.
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