Breaking News: Tragic Air Ambulance Crash in Jharkhand Claims Seven Lives
In a devastating incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation, an air ambulance operating a medical evacuation flight from Ranchi to Delhi tragically crashed in Jharkhand's Chatra district on Monday evening. All seven individuals on board, including the patient, medical staff, and crew, were killed in the accident. The Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd Beechcraft C90 aircraft went down deep within a forested area near Simaria, leaving no survivors.
Urgent Update: Details Emerge from the Crash Site
The ill-fated flight, identified by its registration VT-AJV, took off from Ranchi airport at approximately 7:11 PM IST. Officials reported that the aircraft lost radar contact and communication around 7:30 PM, just minutes before it crashed in the Bariatu Panchayat area of Simaria. Initial reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) indicate that the crew had requested a deviation from their flight path at 7:34 PM IST due to deteriorating weather conditions before losing contact with Kolkata air traffic control.
Chatra Deputy Commissioner Keerthishree G confirmed the fatalities, stating, "All seven on board the air ambulance were killed in the crash. The plane was on the way to Delhi from Ranchi." Search and rescue teams from the district administration were immediately dispatched to the remote crash site.
Victims Identified in Heartbreaking Tragedy
Authorities have successfully recovered the bodies of all seven victims. SDPO Shubham Khandelwal provided the identities of those who perished:
- Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat (Pilot)
- Captain Savrajdeep Singh (Co-Pilot)
- Sanjay Kumar (Patient)
- Dr Vikas Kumar Gupta (Medical Professional)
- Sachin Kumar Mishra (Attendant)
- Archana Devi (Patient's Relative)
- Dhuru Kumar (Patient's Relative)
Intense Investigation Underway into Crash Causes
The DGCA has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact reasons behind this tragic air ambulance crash. An Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) team is currently at the site, meticulously examining the wreckage and gathering evidence. Ranchi airport director Vinod Kumar suggested that inclement weather might have been a contributing factor, but emphasized that a definitive cause could only be established following a thorough probe.
Patient's Critical Condition Led to Air Transfer
The air ambulance had been arranged by the family of 41-year-old Sanjay Kumar, the patient on board, who was being transferred for advanced medical treatment. Anant Sinha, CEO of Devkamal Hospital in Ranchi, explained that Mr. Kumar, a resident of Chandwa in Latehar district, had been admitted on February 16 with severe 65% burn injuries. His family made the decision to move him to Delhi for specialized care.
"The patient left the hospital for Delhi around 4:30 PM on Monday," Sinha confirmed, highlighting the urgent nature of his condition.
Condolences Pour in from Leaders
Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and BJP leader, Champai Soren, expressed his profound grief over the incident. In a post on X, he offered his prayers for the souls of the deceased, including the dedicated crew members, and extended his heartfelt condolences to their families during this incredibly difficult time, wishing them strength.
About Redbird Airways
Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd, the non-scheduled operator of the crashed Beechcraft C90, is based in Delhi. According to the DGCA's official website, the airline operates a fleet of six aircraft, which now includes the one tragically lost in this accident.
