12 killed as IAF helicopter crashes after explosion in Arunachal

11 IAF officials and an Army officer were killed when the chopper crashed in the area bordering China.

All 12 armed forces personnel onboard an IAF MI-17 helicopter were killed on Friday when it crashed after an explosion minutes after take-off from Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.

The 12 people,including 11 IAF officials — two of them pilots — and one Army officer,on board were killed when the helicopter crashed in the area bordering China,Defence PRO Col Rajesh Kalia in Itanagar said.

All the bodies have been recovered by the Army and police. The bodies remain to be identified.

Story continues below this ad

The explosion onboard occurred minutes after the helicopter took-off from the Tawang helipad at around 12 noon.

The helicopter was en route to Guwahati.

A commission of inquiry has been ordered.

IAF sources said the weather was clear it was unlikely that the chopper could have encountered any obstruction.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has condoled the deaths.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

You May Like

Anjana Krishna, IPS officer who stood firm against Ajit Pawar, is no stranger to overcoming setbacks

Anjana Krishna, who stood against Ajit Pawar, is no stranger to overcoming setbacks

India3 hr ago

Maharashtra-cadre IPS officer Anjana Krishna V S, who was in the news for being “reprimanded” by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar while taking action over alleged illegal mining, grew up on the outskirts of an area of Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district that has become notorious for the illegal granite mining.

View all shorts

Live Blog

Top Stories

In Kathmandu, protesters try to enter Congress office, set traffic post on fire

Shah Rukh Khan in son Aryan Khan's series.

Entertainment The Ba***ds of Bollywood trailer: Shah Rukh Khan lands a punch, literally, in son Aryan Khan's series; showcases industry's glam and grime

She caught him using her jiu-jitsu skills, wrestled the thief to the ground, and managed to trap him until restaurant staff called the police

Sanju Samson bats for the Kochi Blue Tigers in the Kerala Cricket League. (PHOTO: KCL)

Sports Asia Cup 2025: Identity crisis over, Sanju Samson is ready to flex his biceps again

Jarange Patil ending hunger strike on Tuesday after accepting government proposal in presence of Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, during massive rally demanding Maratha community reservation. (Express Photo/Ganesh Shirsekar)

Opinion On Maratha quota, Jarange has won the same assurance again. It’s nearly impossible for government to concede