The quiet forests of Jharkhand’s Chatra district turned into a scene of devastation on Monday evening after a Ranchi-Delhi air ambulance crashed, killing all seven people on board. What was meant to be a life-saving medical evacuation ended in heartbreaking loss, leaving families shattered and a state in mourning.
The aircraft, a Beechcraft C90, had taken off from Ranchi at 7:11 pm. Within about 20 minutes, it lost contact with air traffic control. Officials said the plane had briefly established communication with Kolkata before radar signals disappeared. Hours later, the wreckage was found in the Bariatu Panchayat area near Simaria, deep inside a forested stretch of Chatra.
The air ambulance was operated by Delhi-based Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd and was headed to the national capital with a critically injured patient on board. Authorities confirmed that all seven occupants, including two pilots and medical personnel, died in the crash. The bodies were retrieved from the site and shifted to Sadar Hospital in Chatra for post-mortem examination.
The deceased have been identified as Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat, Captain Savrajdeep Singh, Dr Vikas Kumar Gupta, Sanjay Kumar, Sachin Kumar Mishra, Archana Devi and Dhuru Kumar. Sanjay Kumar, who had suffered around 65 per cent burn injuries, was being flown to Delhi for advanced treatment after being admitted to a hospital in Ranchi. His family had arranged the air ambulance in hope of better medical care.
The tragedy has left behind painful stories. Bajrangi Prasad, father of Dr Vikas Kumar Gupta, said he had sold his land to educate his son and help him become a doctor. Dr Gupta, who served at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi, leaves behind a young son. His father’s voice trembled as he spoke about the dreams that ended in a single moment.
Relatives of Sanjay Kumar also expressed anguish, questioning whether improved healthcare infrastructure in the region could have prevented the need for such a risky transfer. In a cruel twist of fate, the crash claimed the lives of both Sanjay Kumar and Archana Devi, compounding the family’s grief.
Initial indications suggest that poor weather conditions may have contributed to the accident. Ranchi airport officials mentioned inclement weather at the time of departure, though they stressed that only a thorough investigation would reveal the exact cause. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed that the aircraft, registered as VT-AJV, was operating a medical evacuation flight when communication and radar contact were lost.
An investigation team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has been dispatched to the crash site. The Jharkhand government has also ordered a probe to examine how clearance was granted for the flight amid adverse weather. State authorities have assured compensation for the families of the deceased.
Across Chatra district, a lingering silence reflects the magnitude of the tragedy. Local residents gathered near the crash site as news spread, many struggling to process the sudden loss of lives. Political leaders have expressed condolences, calling the incident deeply unfortunate.
According to DGCA records, Redbird Airways operates a small fleet of six aircraft, including the Beechcraft C90 involved in the crash. The aircraft model is commonly used for charter services and medical evacuations due to its range and twin-engine configuration.
The Ranchi-Delhi air ambulance crash has once again highlighted the risks involved in emergency medical flights, especially under challenging weather conditions. As investigators work to determine what went wrong, families wait for answers that may never fully ease their pain.
Summary – Key Highlights:
All seven people onboard a Ranchi-Delhi air ambulance were killed in a crash in Chatra district, Jharkhand. The Beechcraft C90 aircraft lost contact with ATC around 20 minutes after takeoff. Inclement weather is suspected, but the exact cause is under investigation. DGCA and AAIB teams are probing the incident, and compensation has been assured to the families.