BAHAWALPUR: A training aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force crashed in the fields at Ratta Tibba in the suburbs of Vehari on Tuesday.

Both the pilots had a miraculous escape as they ejected themselves and remained unhurt. Unconfirmed reports identified the pilots as Capt Yasir (45) and Zain (24).

However, unofficial reports claimed both of them suffered minor injuries and the rescuers of 1122 gave them first aid. They were shifted to hospital in an army helicopter.

Dawn learnt that the PAF aircraft was on a training flight but crashed due to some technical fault. The aircraft had taken off from Thingi airport near Vehari city and it burst into flames after the crash as the fire engulfed.

Smoke emitting from it could be seen from a distance. The aircraft crashed near an oil depot, but there was neither any casualty nor any damage to any building.

On receipt of the news of the crash, the district administration officials, police personnel and rescuers rushed to the scene and started a rescue and relief operation by cordoning off the area.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2025