A military training aircraft crashed into a pond in the Civil Lines area of Prayagraj on Wednesday afternoon, triggering panic in the densely populated locality. The incident occurred around noon near KP College, close to schools and residential colonies.
According to eyewitnesses, the aircraft began to wobble while flying before crashing into a pond surrounded by thick water hyacinth and marshy land.
Before the crash, three personnel jumped out using parachutes. They landed in the pond and got stuck in the slush, but were later pulled out safely by residents with great difficulty. All three were reportedly in uniform.
Soon after the incident, an Army helicopter and senior military officials reached the spot. Fire brigade and rescue teams were also deployed. However, due to the marshy pond and heavy growth of water hyacinth, rescue teams initially faced difficulty reaching the crashed aircraft.
#WATCH | A trainee aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashes into a pond in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/jq5KyFW8Gc
— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2026
It was not immediately clear whether more personnel were on board at the time of the crash.
Eyewitness Mohammad Shabir said that a nearby school was conducting practical examinations when people noticed a bright red object in the sky, followed by the opening of parachutes moments later. “Within minutes, the aircraft fell into the pond. So far, three uniformed personnel have been rescued,” he said.
#WATCH | Lucknow | PRO Defence, Prayagraj, Wing Commander Debartho Dhar says,” Around 12 noon today, a microlight aircraft of IAF with two crew, which was on a training mission, conducted an emergency landing. The two crew are safe, and a court of inquiry has been ordered.” pic.twitter.com/THwvqNS0Yl
— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2026
In another account, locals reported that the aircraft, described by some as a military helicopter, fell into a pond near Medical Chauraha in Civil Lines, close to KP College. A loud noise was heard, after which a large crowd gathered at the site. The pond is not very deep, but the presence of dense water hyacinth made rescue operations challenging.
Officials have confirmed that at least two personnel have been rescued safely. Further details about the cause of the crash and the exact number of people on board are awaited.