Air ambulance with seven on board crashes in Jharkhand

NEW DELHI: India’s aviation regulator reported late Monday that a Beechcraft air ambulance carrying seven people crashed in the eastern state of Jharkhand.

The Beechcraft C90 aircraft, operated by Redbird Airways, departed from Ranchi at 7:11 pm (1341 GMT). Shortly after takeoff, the crew requested a route deviation due to adverse weather conditions before losing communication and radar contact, according to a statement from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Search and rescue teams have been dispatched to the crash site, while the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is being sent to conduct a formal investigation.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether there were any casualties.

Meanwhile, a Tejas fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashed during a routine training mission, officials confirmed on Monday. The pilot ejected safely before impact and is reported to be in stable condition.

According to Indian media reports, the aircraft experienced a sudden technical malfunction while on a training sortie, causing it to lose control mid-air. Initial information suggests that the jet caught fire after hitting the ground.

In an official statement, the Indian Air Force said that a court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident and determine the exact cause of the crash. “The pilot ejected safely. An inquiry has been instituted to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the statement said.