Mirage 2000 fighter jet crashes in Bengaluru, two pilots dead

Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots were killed on Friday after a Mirage 2000 trainer fighter aircraft on a test sortie crashed at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) airport in Bengaluru. (Reuters)

According to IAF sources, the two pilots, Squadron leader Siddharth Negi and Squadron leader Sameer Abrol, sustained fatal injuries after the aircraft crashed during takeoff this morning. (Reuters)

One pilot died at the scene of the crash, while the other was seen being carried to a nearby hospital. Both pilots ejected, with one of them landing near the wreckage. (Reuters)

The plane crashed at the edge of the HAL airport compound, which is surrounded by several office and residential buildings. (PTI)

An investigation into the cause of the accident is being ordered, a statement by the defence ministry said. (PTI)

The pilots belonged to the Air Force's Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment unit, news agency Reuters reported.(Ramya Pradhan via Reuters)