Grief and Questions After Jharkhand Air Ambulance Crash Claims Seven Lives

Ranchi/Chatra, Jharkhand: Scenes of profound sorrow unfolded across Jharkhand as families of those killed in Monday evening’s air ambulance crash recounted stories of sacrifice, shattered aspirations, and painful unanswered questions. The tragedy, which claimed seven lives, has left multiple households devastated and reignited concerns over gaps in regional healthcare infrastructure.

The aircraft, operated by Redbird Airways, was en route from Ranchi to Delhi on a critical medical evacuation mission when it crashed near Simaria in Chatra district shortly after takeoff.

A Father’s Grief and a Question on Healthcare

Among the bereaved was the father of Dr. Vikash Kumar Gupta, who had been posted at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi. Speaking to ANI, he reflected on the immense sacrifices made to educate his son and questioned why advanced treatment remains inaccessible within the state.

“My elder son was posted in Sadar Hospital, Ranchi. If there had been proper health facilities here, why would they have gone to Delhi for treatment? I sold my farmland and other belongings for his education,” he said.

His words underscored a recurring theme voiced by several families — the perceived inadequacy of specialized medical facilities in Jharkhand.

Family of Burn Victim Alleges Systemic Failures

Sanjay Prasad, who had sustained severe burn injuries following a gas cylinder explosion at his small hotel, was among those being transported to Delhi when the crash occurred.

Relatives told PTI that despite treatment in Ranchi, his condition failed to improve, prompting the decision to arrange a private air ambulance.

“There was no improvement during treatment, so we decided to shift him to Delhi. In that process, we arranged a private jet, but it crashed,” a family member said.

The relative described the explosion that led to the injuries and expressed anguish over what they termed systemic healthcare shortcomings.

“The system is extremely weak. Even when we go to private facilities, it becomes a hardship. Today, that hardship has turned into death,” the family member said.

They added that the tragedy has devastated multiple families and left two children without parental support.

“Our home has been destroyed. If proper treatment had been available in Ranchi, we would not have taken him to Delhi. In trying to save him, we lost everything,” the relative said.

Sanjay’s uncle echoed the sentiment, stating that the air ambulance was arranged only after doctors indicated that local treatment was not yielding results.

‘He Was My Entire World’: Brother Mourns Paramedic

Another life lost was that of Sachin Kumar Mishra, a paramedical staff member who died while performing his duty aboard the flight.

“My younger brother was everything to me. He was like my own child, my whole life and my entire world,” a grieving relative told PTI.

The family described years of struggle, noting that Mishra began working at a young age to support the household after their father’s death.

“For the past two to three years, he had been working in ambulance services. We had advised him to take a hospital job instead and avoid such risks. I asked him to stay with me. Without him, my life feels incomplete,” the relative said.

His death, they added, has removed the primary pillar of support for the family.

The Crash and Investigation

The aircraft involved in the crash was a Beechcraft C90 operated by Redbird Airways, conducting a medical evacuation from Ranchi to Delhi. It went down in a forested area of Chatra district shortly after takeoff.

All seven individuals on board — including crew members, medical personnel, attendants, and the patient — were killed.

Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident. Officials indicated that multiple factors, including weather conditions and technical aspects, will be examined to determine the cause of the crash