News Desk: India witnessed another air tragedy on Monday evening when an air ambulance travelling from Ranchi to New Delhi met with a fatal accident. The aircraft crashed in a forested area of Chatra district in Jharkhand. All seven people on board lost their lives (Air Ambulance Crash in Jharkhand).
Where Was the Aircraft Headed?
According to available information, the air ambulance was transporting a critically burned patient from Ranchi to Delhi for advanced medical treatment. Along with the patient, there were doctors, assisting medical staff, and two pilots on board.
The aircraft crashed in the Simaria area of Chatra district. Officials have confirmed that none of the seven occupants survived.
The air ambulance was a Beechcraft C-90 aircraft operated by Redbird Airways. It was functioning as a non-scheduled medical evacuation flight.
Who Was the Patient?
Hospital sources stated that the patient on board had suffered severe burn injuries and was in critical condition. He was being shifted to Delhi for advanced treatment due to the deterioration of his health.
The patient has been identified as Sanjay Kumar (41), a resident of Chandwa in Latehar district. He had been admitted to a hospital on February 16 with 65 percent burn injuries and was undergoing treatment there. As his condition worsened, doctors decided to transfer him to Delhi. Arrangements for the air ambulance were made on Monday, and in the afternoon he was moved from the hospital to board the aircraft.
How Did the Incident Occur?
The air ambulance took off from Ranchi in the evening. Shortly after takeoff, the crew established contact with Kolkata Air Traffic Control. According to information from aviation authorities, at approximately 7:34 PM, the pilots requested a change in route due to adverse weather conditions.
Soon after that communication, the aircraft lost radar and radio contact.
Within a short time, local authorities received information that the plane had crashed in a dense forest area of Chatra district. The thick jungle terrain made it difficult for rescue teams to access the crash site.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the flight was a non-scheduled medical evacuation operation. A detailed investigation into the incident has already been initiated.
Names of the Deceased
Local police and the operating aviation authorities have released the names of those who died in the crash:
- Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat
- Captain Sawrajdeep Singh
- Sanjay Kumar (patient)
- Dr. Vikas Kumar Gupta
- Sachin Kumar Mishra (paramedic)
- Archana Devi (assistant)
- Dharu Kumar (assistant)
The families of the deceased have been informed. Local administration officials are overseeing further procedures.
Investigation Underway
A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has departed for the crash site to conduct a formal investigation and determine the exact cause of the accident. Officials have indicated that adverse weather may have played a role, but no conclusions can be drawn until the technical investigation is completed.
The incident has once again raised concerns regarding the safety of non-scheduled and air ambulance operations.
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