9-seater plane crash-lands in Odisha, occupants severly injured

An IndiaOne Air small aircraft crashed at Jalda, around 10 kilometres from Rourkela, on Saturday afternoon while operating a scheduled service between Rourkela and Bhubaneswar. All those on board sustained injuries, but a major tragedy was averted as their condition has been stated to be stable, according to reports.

Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena confirmed the incident and said the state government has informed the Director General of Civil Aviation. “By the grace of God, this is not a major accident,” the minister said, adding that the matter is under investigation and officials will visit the crash site.

The mishap occurred shortly after take-off when the nine-seater aircraft crashed in an isolated field near Kansar in Sundargarh district. There were six passengers on board along with crew members. Airport officials said it was a regular private flight operating between Rourkela and Bhubaneswar.

Local residents rushed to the spot immediately after the crash and helped rescue passengers trapped inside the aircraft. Fire Services received an emergency call through the 112 ERSS and mobilised teams from Rourkela and Panposh fire stations to carry out rescue and safety operations.

Fire Services personnel later secured the area and prevented further hazards by stopping oil leakage using foam. The injured were shifted to JP Hospital and RGH Hospital for treatment, where all are reported to be out of danger.