A Redbird Airways air ambulance tragically crashed near Simaria on February 23, resulting in the loss of all seven individuals on board, including two crew members. Ramesh Kumar, Second in Command of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), provided details regarding the difficult conditions faced by rescue teams. He noted that the incident occurred in a remote area, which posed significant obstacles for rescue operations, including dense jungle terrain that made access challenging.

Rescue Efforts Highlight Terrain Difficulties

Kumar shared insights about the recovery process, revealing that it took considerable effort to transport the bodies from the crash site. The bodies had to be carried approximately two kilometres to reach the nearest road. He stated, “We received information that a plane had crashed. The area is quite inland, and there is no road access for two kilometres. Arriving at night added to the complexity of the situation, as there were no survivors.” The team utilized a single stretcher brought by the SSB to assist in the recovery of the victims.

Aviation Council Expresses Condolences

In response to the incident, the Council of Indian Aviation issued a statement expressing deep concerns and condolences regarding the tragedy. Dr Nitin Jadhav, the President of the Council, highlighted the significance of the air ambulance’s mission, which was critical for medical evacuation. He remarked on the humanitarian aspect of such flights, underscoring the importance of timely medical support. The statement further clarified that the aircraft was operating a medical evacuation when the crash occurred.

Details of the Flight and Crash Investigation

The Beechcraft C90 aircraft, registered as VT-AJV, was conducting a medical flight from Ranchi to Delhi at the time of the accident. It reportedly took off from Ranchi at 7:11 PM IST and lost radar and communication contact when it was approximately 100 nautical miles southeast of Varanasi. Witness accounts indicate the aircraft crashed in a dense forest area, complicating rescue operations significantly.

Investigation Team Scheduled to Arrive

Officials stated that a specialized team from Delhi was expected to arrive at the crash site later in the day to initiate an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. One of the key focuses of the investigation will be recovering the aircraft’s black box, which will be pivotal in understanding the factors that led to the crash. The tragic event has drawn attention to the risks inherent in air ambulance operations, particularly in remote areas with challenging terrain.

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