Asianet NewsableAsianet Newsable

Aero India 2019: 1 IAF pilot dies after Surya Kiran jets crash during rehearsal in Yelahanka

A crash between two IAF Surya Kiran jets during rehearsals of the air show has left one pilot dead and two others severely injured. Defence Minister Nirmala Sithraman was in Bengaluru for the event and has rushed to the crash site.

Bengaluru: Three pilots were involved in the mid-air collision of two Surya Kiran jets during the practice sessions of Aero India in Bengaluru, reports have confirmed.  One pilot has lost his life and two others were injured after the crash at Yelahanka Airbase.

The Surya Kiran aerobatic team took off smoothly but collided mid-air and spiralled out of control. The pilots were practising spins when the incident took place.

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is in Bengaluru rushed to the spot.

Senior police officers and fire rescue personnel have also reached the crash site, which has been cordoned off.

Aero India is scheduled to be held from February 20 to 24 in Bengaluru.