Small aircraft crashes while landing at Rourkela; 6 injured

The passengers sustained minor injuries and were admitted to a local hospital, officials said. (Express Photo)

A nine-seater aircraft operating on the Bhubaneswar-Rourkela route met with an accident while landing at the Rourkela Airport Saturday.

According to officials, four passengers and two crew members were on board the aircraft at the time of the mishap and all occupants are reported to be safe. The passengers sustained minor injuries and were admitted to a local hospital, officials said.

The reason behind the crash is yet to be assessed as officials said they are looking into the details.

State commerce and transport minister Bibhuti Jena said all passengers are stable. “The captain detected technical issues minutes after the aircraft took off and the mishap occurred while he tried to land at a place 10 km from Rourkela,” Jena said.

Jena said the state government will send a team to the spot to assess the situation.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said he has directed that the best medical care be provided to the injured and said he is personally monitoring the situation.

“I am deeply saddened to learn about the plane crash that occurred in Rourkela. The news that all passengers are safe by the grace of Lord Jagannath is reassuring. I have directed that immediate best medical services be provided to those injured in this incident. I am personally monitoring the situation. I am praying at the feet of Lord Sri Jagannath for the swift recovery of all,” noted Majhi on X.

A press release from the Directorate of Aviation said that an India One Air aircraft was flying from Bhubaneswar to Rourkela.

“Departed at 12:27 hours. It had two pilots and 4 passengers. 8 nautical miles short of reaching Rourkela, the aircraft force-landed at a place near Jalda. Pilots have ensured the landing due to which lives have been saved. Receiving the information, the district administration has reached and shifted the injured pilots and passengers to medical facilities at Rourkela. Currently, 3 passengers are treated at J.P. Hospital and two pilots + 1 pax are treated at RGH, Rourkela. As reported, all are under medical treatment/observation and no fatalities.”

It went on to say that the accident was reported to the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

“As per the regulations, the airline shall be reporting the details to the DGCA/Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) for further action. The Directorate of Civil Aviation (Commerce & Transport Department) is seized of the matter and [is] extending all support to the passengers through the district administration and to the airline as needed. The situation is under close watch and any further development will be updated to the media,” it said.