New Delhi, February 24: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported on Monday that an air ambulance en route from Ranchi to Delhi crashed in the Kasaria Panchayat of Chatra district, Jharkhand, with seven people onboard.
A search-and-rescue team from the district administration is currently at the crash site, and an investigation team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is being dispatched. The aviation regulator stated that further information will be shared as it becomes available.
The DGCA confirmed that the Beechcraft C90 aircraft, registered as VT-AJVV and operated by Redbird Airways Private Limited, was conducting a medical evacuation flight when it crashed at approximately 7:34 PM. The aircraft took off from Ranchi at 7:11 PM. After establishing contact with Kolkata, communication and radar contact were lost when the aircraft was about 100 nautical miles southeast of Varanasi.
Among the seven individuals onboard were one patient, one doctor, one paramedic, two attendants, one pilot, and one co-pilot. Rescue operations are ongoing, and more information is yet to be released. The aircraft was expected to land in Delhi around 10 PM before losing contact with air traffic control at 7:34 PM.
Reports indicate that the plane crashed in a forested area near Karamatand village in the Simaria police station jurisdiction of Chatra district. Local residents reported hearing a loud noise and seeing smoke rising from the forest, prompting the police and district administration to respond.
Search efforts are underway based on radar data and the aircraft’s last known location. The dense forest and challenging terrain are complicating rescue operations. Local authorities, police forces, and disaster management teams are collaborating in the effort. Sources indicate that the Emergency Data Centralized Action Plan (ED CAP) is monitoring the situation closely, gathering real-time information.
Senior officials from the civil aviation department and security agencies are also keeping a watchful eye on the situation. Currently, the cause of the accident remains unclear, and official information will be released following a detailed investigation.
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