India: Seven killed in air ambulance plane crash
Deutsche Welle
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Seven people, including two crew members, were killed when a chartered air ambulance crashed in India’s eastern Jharkhand state late Monday night. The Beechcraft C90 aircraft, operated by Redbird Airways, was en route from Ranchi to Delhi and had requested permission to deviate from its planned path due to bad weather. However, it lost contact with air traffic control 23 minutes after takeoff and crashed in the Kasaria region of Jharkhand. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by smoke rising from the forested area where the crash occurred.
Rescue and medical teams quickly arrived at the scene, which was deep within a heavily wooded area. The aircraft’s wreckage was covered in leaves and debris, with officials confirming all seven individuals on board were declared dead at the site. Local administrative official Keerthishree G stated that a team of doctors identified the victims and confirmed their deaths. Authorities suspect the crash may have been caused by turbulence due to poor weather conditions.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) shared details about the incident, noting that the aircraft had requested a deviation due to weather before losing contact. The DGCA also mentioned that India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has been sent to the site to investigate the cause of the crash. This incident highlights potential safety concerns in aviation operations, particularly under challenging weather conditions.
The crash underscores the risks associated with air ambulance services operating in remote or forested areas, where rescue and recovery efforts can be especially challenging. While weather appears to have played a role, the investigation will provide critical insights into whether there were additional factors contributing to the tragedy. For readers interested in global aviation safety, this incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by airlines and air traffic control systems worldwide.
This event also has significant implications for those following regional news in India, as it occurred in Jharkhand, a state with a history of challenging terrain and weather conditions that can impact transportation and emergency services. The crash further raises questions about the preparedness of aviation operators to handle such risks and the measures in place to ensure passenger and crew safety during emergencies.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/24/2026