Chartered Ambulance Jet Crashes in Afghanistan; Not Indian Aircraft, Confirms India

A chartered ambulance jet flying from India to Moscow via Uzbekistan crashed in Afghanistan's remote Badakhshan province early Sunday morning, raising concerns about the fate of the six people believed to be on board. While initial reports suggested Indian involvement, the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry has clarified that the aircraft was neither a scheduled commercial flight nor an Indian chartered plane.

According to Russian aviation authorities, the crashed aircraft was a Moroccan-registered Dassault Falcon 10, a French-made small jet manufactured in 1978. It was operating as a charter ambulance flight, ferrying passengers from India to Moscow with a planned stopover in Uzbekistan.

Local Afghan police, quoted by Reuters, confirmed the crash in the mountainous region but were unable to provide details on the cause or any potential casualties. Rescue efforts are currently underway, hampered by the challenging terrain and lack of daylight.

The Indian government, after initial confusion, issued a statement clarifying that the aircraft was not Indian-registered or operated by an Indian carrier. This distinction is crucial considering the heightened sensitivity surrounding aviation safety in the region.

As of now, the fate of the individuals onboard and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear. Authorities are continuing their investigation and rescue efforts, and further updates are expected in the coming hours.

Key Points:

• Chartered ambulance jet crashes in Afghanistan's Badakhshan province.
• Six people are believed to be on board.
• Aircraft was not Indian-registered or operated by an Indian carrier.
• Cause of crash and potential casualties unknown.
• Rescue efforts are underway in challenging terrain.