Pilots avoided river, transformer! Rourkela plane crash survivor Sunil Agrawal recounts brush with death

The terrifying moments of staring death in the face and miraculously surviving were narrated by passenger Sunil Agrawal, who was injured in the Rourkela plane crash and has returned to Odisha after undergoing treatment in Mumbai.

Recalling the ordeal, Sunil said that he and his wife owe their lives to the two pilots of the India One aircraft. After a technical snag developed mid-air, the pilots made desperate and determined efforts to land the aircraft safely.

According to Sunil, the pilots first steered the plane away from the danger of crashing into nearby hills. They then averted the risk of the aircraft plunging into the Brahmani River. Finally, during the forced landing, the pilots successfully avoided a potentially fatal collision with an electric transformer located in a field, saving the aircraft and the lives of those on board.

He described the experience as a spine-chilling moment of near-certain death that turned into a miracle due to the pilots’ presence of mind and courage. Grateful for their heroic efforts, Sunil said the Marwari community has decided to felicitate the two pilots for their extraordinary role in saving lives. A critically injured passenger in the incident died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital a couple of days back.

Also Read: Rourkela charter plane crash: Critically injured passenger dies during treatment

"We were travelling from Bhubaneswar to Rourkela on an India One flight when the aircraft crashed within 10 kilometres of take-off. There were six people on board, including four passengers and two pilots. Displaying exceptional presence of mind, the pilots first steered the aircraft away from nearby hills, preventing a potentially catastrophic impact. When the fan and engine stopped functioning, they further managed the situation skillfully and avoided the risk of the aircraft plunging into the Brahmani river. Eventually, they made an emergency landing in an open field near a village. In the process, they also successfully avoided a potentially fatal collision with an electric transformer located in the field," said Sunil Agrawal.

"Despite their efforts, both the passengers and the pilots sustained severe injuries in the accident. Local villagers rushed to the crash site immediately and rescued us. Within five minutes, the police, fire brigade, doctors, ambulances, and rescue teams arrived and provided prompt first aid. Following initial treatment, we were taken to Mumbai, where we underwent surgery. After recovery, we returned safely to Bhubaneswar. The pilots saved our lives by putting their own lives at grave risk. In recognition of their extraordinary courage and professionalism, our Marwari community will certainly felicitate them," he added.