All seven passengers killed after air ambulance crashes in forest during mission to fly burns patient to hospital

AN air ambulance carrying a critically injured burn victim tragically crashed in India, killing everybody on board.

The flight, operated by Redbird Airways, went down late on Monday while traveling from the eastern state of Jharkhand to Delhi.

Disturbing footage from the crash site shows the crumpled wreckage, tangled in thick vegetation.

Different parts of the plane are strewn across the forest floor, from sections of the fuselage to individual passenger seats.

Residents reported that the crash occurred amid severe weather, including strong winds, heavy rain, thunder, and lightning.

Among the victims was 41-year-old Sanjay Kumar, who had suffered 65 percent burn injuries.

According to Anant Sinha, CEO of Devkamal Hospital in state capital Ranchi, the air ambulance had been urgently arranged to transfer Kumar to Delhi for specialised care.

“The patient, Sanjay Kumar (41), a resident of Chandwa in Latehar district, was brought to the hospital with 65 percent burn injuries on February 16,” Sinha said.

Kumar’s family had been trying to arrange transport by road, but doctors advised against it due to the severity of his condition.

Family member Vijay Kumar shared the urgency behind their decision: “We tried to take him by road, but the doctor said we couldn’t. He told us he might collapse on the way.

“The doctor said that if we could arrange an air ambulance, then we could take him. So we decided to take him by air ambulance.”

The flight departed Ranchi airport at 7.11pm but lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff.

Around 7.30pm, local authorities reported the aircraft missing.

Deputy commissioner Keerthishree G confirmed the crash: “All seven on board the air ambulance were killed in the crash. The plane was on the way to Delhi from Ranchi.

“The aircraft went missing around 7.30pm. It crashed at Bariatu panchayat area in Simaria.”

Despite the remote location of the wreckage deep in the forest, search and rescue teams were able to recover all seven bodies.

The aircraft was a Beechcraft C90, part of Redbird Airways’ fleet.

The airline, which was established in 2018, received operational permission the following year.

Government records show that the downed plane was one of six aircraft in the company’s fleet.

A division of the federal Ministry of Civil Aviation has been dispatched to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Former Jharkhand chief minister Champai expressed his sorrow on social media.

“I pray for the deceased individuals, including the crew members aboard the plane from Marang Buru (the supreme tribal deity), and for strength to their families during this difficult time,” he wrote.