Heartbreak unfolded in Jharkhand’s skies as an air ambulance rushed a burn victim to Delhi, only to crash catastrophically in Chatra, snuffing out seven lives.
Victim Sanjay Kumar, Latehar resident and hotel operator, battled for survival post a February 16 inferno that charred 55-65% of his body. From Ranchi’s private care to Delhi’s specialists, hope soared with the chartered flight. Onboard: spouse, kin, doctor, paramedic, and two aviators.
The Beechcraft C90’s journey began smoothly at 7:11 PM from Ranchi. Weather woes prompted a reroute via Kolkata ATC, but contact severed abruptly. Locals 3.5 km off heard the fatal roar, converging on smoldering remains in Karmatand woods.
Admin heavyweights—Deputy Commissioner Kirti Shree, SP Sumit Kumar—mobilized rescues, unearthing bodies with villager aid. Forensic scrutiny and DGCA inquiry target causes, from squalls to technical faults.
Hospital admin Shyam Kumar recalled admission details; kin voiced despair over dashed medical dreams. As families grieve, this crash ignites debates on air evac safety, urging stricter oversight for mercy missions in perilous climes.