In the early hours of Wednesday, May 7, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded in Aklian Kalan village, located in the Bathinda district of Punjab, when an unidentified aircraft crashed, resulting in one fatality and nine injuries. The crash occurred around 2 am, approximately 20 kilometers from the Bhisiana Air Force Station, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The deceased has been identified as Govind, a 30-year-old farm laborer from Charkhi Dadri in Haryana. Eyewitnesses reported that Govind was among the first to approach the crash site, having been alerted by a loud explosion. He was reportedly recording a video of the burning aircraft when it exploded, tragically killing him on the spot. Nine other villagers sustained injuries while attempting to assist.
According to local residents, the aircraft crashed into harvested wheat fields, about 500 meters away from the nearest inhabited area. Villagers described the moment of the crash as chaotic, with many rushing to the scene in hopes of rescuing anyone on board. However, as they approached, the aircraft erupted in flames, causing injuries from shrapnel and fire.
"Govind had come here for the wheat harvest and was living in a room near the crash site. He was among the first to reach the site. He started recording a video of the crash but went too close to it. Suddenly, a blast occurred in the burning aircraft which killed Govind on the spot. Several others were injured," said a villager who wished to remain anonymous.
The Punjab Police were the first to respond to the incident, quickly alerting fire brigades and military personnel. The area was cordoned off by the Army, and Air Force officials began collecting debris shortly after dawn. Videos of the crash and subsequent explosion circulated on social media, showing the devastation left in the aftermath.
Local authorities have remained tight-lipped about the aircraft's identity and the circumstances surrounding the crash. As of the latest reports, there has been no official information regarding the pilot or the aircraft's origin. An investigation is underway, led by defense authorities, to uncover the details of this unfortunate event.
In the wake of the crash, the injured were taken to the government hospital in Goniana town for treatment. Reports indicate that at least one of the injured was referred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bathinda for further care.
Eyewitness accounts detail that many villagers had been at the local grain market late Tuesday night when they noticed the aircraft flying unusually low. Moments later, the crash occurred, transforming a peaceful night into a scene of horror.
The incident has raised questions regarding air safety and the protocols in place for unidentified aircraft in civilian areas. As investigations continue, local officials are urging calm and caution as they work to ascertain the facts surrounding the crash.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by unidentified aircraft in populated areas, and the community is left mourning the loss of Govind, a hardworking individual who was simply trying to make a living.
As the investigation unfolds, the residents of Aklian Kalan and surrounding villages remain on edge, hoping for answers and seeking justice for the loss of their fellow villager.
The incident underscores the importance of stringent air traffic regulations and the need for immediate responses to such emergencies to prevent future tragedies. The community is rallying together to support the injured and honor the memory of Govind, whose life was cut short in a moment of chaos.
Authorities are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available, and the community awaits clarity on the events that transpired that fateful morning.
