DGCA launches on-site probe into Rourkela charter aircraft crash; Odisha govt prioritises medical care

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Sunday began an on-site investigation into the charter aircraft accident that occurred at Jalda in Odisha’s Rourkela district, even as the state government reiterated that providing the best possible medical care to the injured remains its top priority.

A DGCA team reached the accident site and initiated a detailed probe to determine the circumstances that led to the aircraft’s emergency landing. As part of the investigation, the team also conducted an aerial survey of the area, sources said.

Medical Care and Government Response

Odisha Transport Secretary Usha Padhee, who arrived in Rourkela to assess the situation, said the Chief Minister is closely monitoring developments related to the accident. “The Chief Minister is keeping a close watch on the aircraft accident. He has directed that all possible assistance be provided to the injured. All necessary facilities and support have been extended,” Padhee said.

She added that a two-member medical team has been deployed to assess the health condition of the injured passengers and crew members. 

“The India 1 aircraft made a forced landing yesterday. Our first priority was to ensure immediate medical care for all injured persons. If required, they will be shifted through an air ambulance. A state-level team of doctors has been formed and is in constant coordination with the treating physicians. Two expert doctors were brought in through a state helicopter. The government will ensure all required assistance,” she said.

Injured Airlifted, Expert Doctors Deployed

Meanwhile, two injured passengers, Sunil Agarwal and Sabita Agarwal, who were undergoing treatment at Jaiprakash Hospital in Rourkela, were airlifted at their own request for further treatment.

In addition, two senior doctors, Anup Mahapatra from the Neurology Department and Debashish Swain from the Critical Care unit, representing SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, and Dharanidhar Medical College, respectively, travelled to Rourkela for expert medical assessment.

Rourkela Collector Subhankar Mohapatra said he visited the injured patients around 11 pm on Sunday. “Only one patient had a pre-existing kidney-related condition and is under close monitoring, though vital parameters are stable. The others are also stable. Based on the assessment of the expert doctors, further steps will be taken. Out of the four passengers, two requested to be shifted at their own expense after sustaining fractures, and arrangements were made accordingly,” he said.

Investigation and Administrative Coordination

Padhee commended the district administration and police for their swift and coordinated response. “I would like to congratulate the district administration and the Superintendent of Police for ensuring all assistance while adhering to logistical and safety protocols. As per civil aviation regulations, the investigating agencies will determine how and why the incident occurred, strictly following standard operating procedures,” she said.

Also Read: Chartered aircraft ‘crash’ in Rourkela: Medical team deployed to assess health of injured passengers & crew

Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena said the state government is extending all necessary support for medical treatment, rescue operations and related facilities for the passengers affected by the accident.