Jharkhand Air Ambulance Crash Kills Seven Near Ranchi

K N Mishra

    24/Feb/2026

What's covered under the Article:

  1. Seven occupants including two pilots died after air ambulance crashed near Simaria in Jharkhand’s Chatra district shortly after takeoff from Ranchi.

  2. Aircraft operated by Redbird Airways lost radar contact after seeking deviation due to bad weather, thunderstorm likely caused accident.

  3. DGCA confirms investigation with AAIB team dispatched as authorities recover all bodies and identify deceased victims.

In a tragic development that has shaken the aviation sector and become one of the Top News Headlines in Aviation Category, the Jharkhand Air Ambulance Crash: 7 Dead, Thunderstorm Suspected has left seven families mourning and raised fresh concerns about flying in adverse weather conditions. The heartbreaking incident occurred on Monday evening when an air ambulance travelling from Ranchi to Delhi crashed in Jharkhand’s Chatra district, killing all seven people on board.

According to initial reports, the Jharkhand air ambulance crash took place near Simaria, specifically in the Bariatu Panchayat area of Chatra district. The aircraft had taken off from Ranchi airport at approximately 7.11 pm and was en route to Delhi when the tragedy struck. Shortly after departure, the aircraft reportedly lost communication and eventually went down, leading to the fatal accident.

Officials confirmed that all seven occupants of the aircraft died in the crash. The deceased include two pilots and five passengers, among them a critically injured patient who was being transported for advanced medical treatment. The incident has emerged as a major Ranchi plane crash News story, drawing national attention and prompting an immediate investigation by aviation authorities.

The aircraft involved in the accident was operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd, a Delhi-based non-scheduled operator. The Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd crash has raised questions regarding flight operations during unstable weather conditions. According to publicly available information from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the operator manages six aircraft, including the one that was involved in this tragic incident.

Chatra Deputy Commissioner Keerthishree G confirmed the fatalities, stating that the aircraft went missing around 7.30 pm before crashing in the Simaria region. She added that the plane was heading towards Delhi from Ranchi at the time of the accident. The Chatra aircraft accident has deeply impacted the local community, with emergency teams rushing to the crash site shortly after the incident was reported.

Authorities have indicated that adverse weather conditions may have played a significant role in the tragedy. A Thunderstorm aircraft accident India scenario is being considered as the likely cause. The Deputy Commissioner suggested that a thunderstorm in the region may have triggered the crash. Weather disturbances, particularly thunderstorms, are known to create severe turbulence, lightning risks, and reduced visibility, all of which can complicate flight operations.

In the latest Jharkhand air ambulance crash latest News, officials confirmed that all bodies have been recovered and identified. SDPO Shubham Khandelwal stated that the deceased include Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat, Captain Savrajdeep Singh, Sanjay Kumar, Vikas Kumar Gupta, Sachin Kumar Mishra, Archana Devi, and Dhuru Kumar. The recovery operation was conducted by local authorities and emergency personnel under challenging conditions.

The Simaria plane crash update has further revealed that the aircraft lost contact with radar after requesting a deviation due to bad weather. The DGCA statement on air crash confirmed that the flight crew had sought permission to alter their route because of adverse weather conditions. However, shortly after this communication, the aircraft lost radar contact, leading to the crash.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has officially acknowledged the incident and issued a press note. In its statement, the regulator confirmed that the aircraft lost communication following the request for weather-related deviation. The aviation watchdog also stated that a team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been dispatched to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident. The AAIB probe air ambulance investigation will examine technical, operational, and meteorological factors to determine the precise cause of the accident.

The tragic incident also involved a patient who had been undergoing treatment at Devkamal Hospital in Ranchi. According to the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Anant Sinha, the patient, Sanjay Kumar, aged 41, had sustained approximately 65 per cent burn injuries and was admitted on February 16. Due to the severity of his condition, arrangements were made to transfer him to Delhi for advanced medical care. The air ambulance was organised by the patient’s family, and he reportedly left the hospital for the airport around 4.30 pm on Monday.

The Ranchi to Delhi air ambulance crash has brought attention to the critical role air ambulances play in medical emergencies. Such aircraft are often used to transport critically ill patients over long distances in the shortest possible time. However, flying in unpredictable weather conditions poses inherent risks. Aviation experts note that thunderstorms can produce sudden wind shear, heavy rainfall, and lightning strikes, all of which can severely impact small aircraft operations.

In the context of the Bariatu Panchayat crash incident, local residents reported hearing a loud noise before spotting smoke rising from the crash site. Emergency services were immediately alerted, and rescue teams reached the location to begin recovery operations. However, given the severity of the crash, there were no survivors.

The tragedy has once again highlighted the importance of stringent weather monitoring and decision-making protocols in aviation. Pilots rely heavily on real-time weather updates and air traffic control guidance. The fact that the aircraft had requested deviation due to bad weather suggests that the crew was aware of deteriorating conditions. The investigation will likely assess whether the weather intensity exceeded safe operational limits or if any mechanical issues contributed to the crash.

The DGCA statement on air crash has assured that a thorough investigation will be carried out. The AAIB team will analyse flight data, maintenance records, pilot training logs, and weather reports. Investigators will also examine whether all regulatory protocols were followed and if there were any technical malfunctions.

For the families of the deceased, the crash represents an irreplaceable loss. The two pilots, trained professionals responsible for navigating the aircraft, also lost their lives while performing their duties. Aviation professionals often operate under high-pressure conditions, especially during emergency medical flights. Their dedication and commitment are widely acknowledged within the industry.

The Jharkhand air ambulance crash also raises broader concerns about infrastructure and emergency preparedness in smaller districts. Ensuring rapid response mechanisms, improved weather forecasting systems, and enhanced coordination between aviation authorities and local administration remains critical.

In India, the aviation sector has grown significantly over the past decade, with increased connectivity and expansion of non-scheduled operators. However, incidents like this underscore the need for continuous vigilance, regular safety audits, and updated risk management frameworks. The Top News Headlines in Aviation Category often serve as reminders that safety must remain the highest priority.

As the Jharkhand air ambulance crash latest News continues to unfold, the focus now shifts to the investigation findings. The AAIB probe is expected to provide clarity on whether the thunderstorm alone caused the accident or if multiple factors were involved. Weather-related crashes are complex events, often resulting from a combination of environmental and technical elements.

The state government and central aviation authorities are likely to review safety protocols for medical evacuation flights operating during unstable weather conditions. Lessons learned from this incident could lead to updated guidelines to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

In conclusion, the Jharkhand Air Ambulance Crash: 7 Dead, Thunderstorm Suspected is a deeply distressing event that has shocked the nation. The loss of seven lives, including two experienced pilots and a critically ill patient, marks a dark day for the aviation community. As the AAIB probe air ambulance investigation progresses, the country awaits answers that may help strengthen aviation safety standards and prevent such devastating accidents in the future.


Join our Telegram Channel for Latest News and Regular Updates.


Start your Mutual Fund Journey  by Opening Free Account in Asset Plus.


Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Related News

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice, investment advice, or trading recommendations.

Trading in stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, or any other financial instruments involves high risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices can fluctuate rapidly, and there is a possibility of losing part or all of your invested capital.

We do not guarantee any profits, returns, or outcomes from the use of our website, services, or tools. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

You are solely responsible for your investment and trading decisions. Before making any financial commitment, it is strongly recommended to consult with a qualified financial advisor or do your own research.

By accessing or using this website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this disclaimer. The website owners, partners, or affiliates shall not be held liable for any direct or indirect loss or damage arising from the use of information, tools, or services provided here.

onlyfans leakedonlyfan leaksonlyfans leaked videos