Seven Feared Dead After Ranchi–Delhi Air Ambulance Crashes in Jharkhand’s Chatra

All seven people on board were feared dead after an air ambulance carrying a burn patient from Ranchi to New Delhi crashed in Jharkhand’s Chatra district on Monday night, raising fresh concerns over aviation safety.

Authorities said the exact number of casualties could not be immediately confirmed as the wreckage was located deep inside a forested area. Officials indicated that rescue and assessment efforts were ongoing.

According to the aviation regulator, the Beechcraft C90 aircraft departed from Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi in the evening but subsequently lost communication and radar contact before going down near Simaria. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The incident is expected to intensify scrutiny of non-scheduled and charter operators, particularly air ambulance services, amid growing debate over regulatory oversight and safety compliance.

Who was on board?
The aircraft was transporting a 41-year-old burn patient along with medical personnel, attendants, and crew members. Hospital representatives stated that the air ambulance had been arranged for the patient’s transfer to New Delhi for advanced treatment.

Officials cautioned that while adverse weather conditions may have played a role, the definitive cause will be determined only after a formal probe.