Tragic Air Ambulance Crash in Jharkhand Claims Seven Lives
Chatra, Jharkhand | February 24, 2026:
A tragic aviation accident occurred in Jharkhand’s Chatra district when a medical air ambulance en route from Ranchi to New Delhi crashed on Tuesday evening, resulting in the death of all seven people on board.
The aircraft had taken off from Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi and was scheduled to land in the national capital for an emergency medical transfer. The plane reportedly lost contact with air traffic control shortly after departure while flying over a forested region near Simaria in Chatra district.
According to preliminary reports, the aircraft was carrying two pilots, medical personnel, a critically injured burn patient, and accompanying attendants. Local authorities confirmed that rescue teams located the wreckage in a remote forest area after an intensive search operation. All seven occupants were declared deceased at the scene.
Officials stated that weather conditions in the region were reportedly unstable at the time of the incident, with strong winds and possible rainfall. However, the exact cause of the crash remains unknown.
A formal investigation has been launched by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident. Aviation authorities, along with local administration and disaster response teams, are coordinating efforts to analyze flight data and technical factors.
State officials expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and assured full cooperation with the investigation. The tragic incident has once again raised concerns regarding aviation safety, particularly in emergency medical operations.
