KISHTWAR — A loud explosion was heard in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday afternoon, with locals reporting smoke billowing from a hilltop in the area. Reports of an aircraft crash surfaced shortly after, along with an unverified claim that two pilots are missing.
Residents in the area said they heard the blast and observed smoke rising from a hilltop, prompting speculation that a plane had come down in the remote terrain.
In a video circulating on social media observed by The Chenab Times, a person at the spot is heard making a claim apparently citing the Disaster Management Authority. “Disaster walay bol rahay hain ke jab humne call kiya, wahan se 2 pilot humaray missing hain,” he says. The statement has not been independently verified, and no official authority has confirmed the claim.
The Indian Air Force, in a statement issued to news agencies, denied that any of its aircraft had crashed in the area. “There are certain media outlets and social media handles claiming an IAF aircraft has crashed near Kishtwar. This report is false,” an IAF spokesperson said. The IAF did not address the explosion heard by residents or the source of the smoke.
No explanation has been offered by any authority for what caused the blast. The district administration and Disaster Management Authority have not issued any statement.
The Chenab Times is reaching out to local authorities for comment. This report will be updated as verified information becomes available.
The Chenab Times News Desk