Air Ambulance Crashes in Jharkhand, Killing All On Board !
Prime Vista News
Seven people, including two pilots and a doctor, were killed after a Ranchi–Delhi air ambulance crashed in Jharkhand’s Chatra district. Authorities have ordered multiple probes into the incident.
All seven persons on board a Ranchi–Delhi air ambulance were killed after the aircraft crashed in a forested area of Jharkhand’s Chatra district, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The tragic incident has triggered multiple investigations as authorities attempt to determine the exact cause of the crash.
The Beechcraft C90 air ambulance, operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd, went down near Simaria in the Bariatu Panchayat area on Monday evening. The aircraft was on a medical evacuation mission when it lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff.
Aircraft Lost Contact Shortly After Takeoff
According to officials, the aircraft departed Ranchi airport at 7:11 pm and lost communication around 7:30 pm, approximately 20 minutes into the flight. Radar and radio contact with air traffic control could not be re-established thereafter.
The wreckage was later located deep inside a forested region of Chatra district, complicating rescue and recovery operations. Authorities confirmed that all seven individuals on board had died on impact.
Bodies Retrieved and Sent for Post-Mortem
Officials said all seven bodies were recovered from the crash site and transported to Sadar Hospital in Chatra for post-mortem examination.
“We have brought all seven bodies for post-mortem at Sadar Hospital, Chatra. The crash is under investigation,” a district official said.
The identification of the victims was completed by late Monday night, and families were informed of the tragedy.
Victims Identified, Including Pilots and Medical Personnel
The deceased have been identified as Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat, Captain Savrajdeep Singh, Sanjay Kumar, Dr Vikas Kumar Gupta, Sachin Kumar Mishra, Archana Devi, and Dhuru Kumar.
Among those killed were two pilots, a doctor, medical staff, and the patient who was being transported for advanced treatment in Delhi.
The loss of trained aviation and medical professionals has added to the shock surrounding the incident.
Weather Conditions Under Scrutiny
Ranchi airport director Vinod Kumar said adverse weather conditions could be a contributing factor, though he stressed that conclusions would only be drawn after a detailed technical investigation.
“There was inclement weather in the region. It could be one of the reasons, but the exact cause will be determined only after a full probe,” he said.
Government authorities have also raised questions about whether proper clearance was granted for the flight given prevailing weather conditions.
State Government Orders Separate Probe
Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari announced that the state government would conduct its own investigation into how permission was granted for the aircraft to operate during unfavorable weather.
He also assured that compensation would be provided to the families of the deceased.
“This is a deeply tragic incident. We will ensure proper compensation and accountability after the inquiry,” the minister said.
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth also termed the crash extremely unfortunate and said weather-related factors could not be ruled out at this stage.
Earlier Report : Canada Deports Punjabi Youth Accused in Extortion Case, Police Release Photo to Seek Public Help.
DGCA and AAIB Launch Formal Investigation
In an official statement, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the Beechcraft C90 aircraft (registration VT-AJV) was operating a medical evacuation flight on the Ranchi–Delhi route.
The DGCA stated that the aircraft established contact with Kolkata air traffic control at 7:34 pm before losing communication and radar contact approximately 100 nautical miles southeast of Varanasi.
An Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) team has been dispatched to the crash site to examine wreckage, flight data, weather conditions, and operational procedures.
Air Ambulance Was Carrying Burn Patient to Delhi
Anant Sinha, CEO of Devkamal Hospital in Ranchi, said the air ambulance was arranged for a patient admitted with severe burn injuries.
“The patient, Sanjay Kumar, had suffered around 65 per cent burn injuries and was admitted on February 16. His family decided to shift him to Delhi for advanced treatment,” Sinha said.
The patient reportedly left the hospital around 4:30 pm before boarding the air ambulance later that evening.
Families Mourn, Raise Questions on Healthcare Gaps
A pall of grief has descended over Chatra district and nearby areas as families of the victims struggle to come to terms with the sudden loss.
Bajrangi Prasad, father of Dr Vikas Kumar Gupta, said he had sold his land to fund his son’s medical education.
“He was a brilliant student and had completed his MBBS from Cuttack. He leaves behind a seven-year-old son,” Prasad said.
Family members of Sanjay Kumar and Archana Devi questioned the state’s healthcare infrastructure, saying timely and adequate treatment locally might have prevented the tragedy.
The Ranchi–Delhi air ambulance crash stands as one of the most devastating aviation tragedies in Jharkhand in recent years. As multiple agencies probe the incident, questions surrounding weather clearance, emergency aviation protocols, and medical transport safety remain at the forefront.
Authorities have assured transparency and accountability as investigations continue, while families await answers and justice in the wake of an irreparable loss.
