Two jets of the Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team crashed after they collided in Bengaluru a day before the Aero India show begins. Two pilots ejected safely, one is believed to have fatal injuries and a civilian was hurt. The injured pilot was airlifted to Command Hospital.
The incident took place during a rehearsal at the Yelahanka air base in north Bengaluru ahead of the mega show.
A video footage of the jet crashing down during a complex manoeuvre, also shows thick, black plumes of smoke rising from the airbase.
#WATCH Two aircraft of Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team crashed today at Yelahanka airbase in Bengaluru, during rehearsal for #AeroIndia2019. One civilian hurt. Both pilots ejected, the debris has fallen near ISRO layout, Yelahanka new town area. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/gJHWx6OtSm
— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2019
The police have cordoned off by the area.
The defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman who is in the city, will be rushing to the accident site shortly.
Aero India 2019 will be held between February 20 and 24. The stunning formations by the Suryakirans, the Air Force’s dare-devil aerobatic squadron is a regular highlight of the aero show.
Thousands will be attending the five day event in Bengaluru, dozens of countries will display their aerobatic skills in the sky.