Seven Killed in Jharkhand Air Ambulance Crash During Ranchi to Delhi Flight
All seven people on board an air ambulance died on Monday evening when their aircraft crashed near Simaria in Jharkhand’s Chatra district. The plane was traveling from Ranchi to Delhi when the accident occurred.
Details of the Crash
The aircraft, operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd, took off from Ranchi airport at 7:11 p.m. According to Chatra Deputy Commissioner Keerthishree G, the plane went missing around 7:30 p.m. and crashed in a forested area within the Bariatu Panchayat.
SDPO Shubham Khandelwal confirmed that rescue teams have retrieved the bodies of all seven victims. The deceased have been identified as:
- Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat
- Captain Savrajdeep Singh
- Sanjay Kumar (Patient)
- Dr. Vikas Kumar Gupta
- Sachin Kumar Mishra
- Archana Devi
- Dhuru Kumar
Patient Transported for Urgent Care
The air ambulance was arranged for 41 year old Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Latehar district. Anant Sinha, CEO of Devkamal Hospital in Ranchi, explained that Kumar had been receiving treatment for severe burns since February 16. His family decided to fly him to Delhi on Monday afternoon to seek specialized medical care.
Investigation into the Cause
Ranchi airport director Vinod Kumar noted that the plane lost contact with air traffic control approximately 20 minutes after takeoff. While investigators suspect that poor weather may have played a role, the exact cause of the crash will remain unknown until a formal inquiry is completed.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the Beechcraft C90 aircraft lost radar contact roughly 100 nautical miles southeast of Varanasi. According to official records, Redbird Airways is a Delhi based operator with a fleet of six aircraft.
Official Response
Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Champai Soren expressed his deep sadness over the tragedy on social media. He offered prayers for the victims and their families during this difficult time.
A search and rescue team from the district administration has reached the site. Additionally, a team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is being sent to the location to begin a thorough investigation
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