A tragic air ambulance crash in Jharkhand has claimed seven lives and left a family devastated. The Beechcraft C90 aircraft, operated by Redbird Airways, took off from Ranchi on February 23, 2026 at around 7.11 pm local time. It was headed to Delhi for advanced treatment.
Contact with the aircraft was lost about 20 minutes after departure. The wreckage was later found in a remote area of Chatra district’s Bariatu Panchayat. Authorities confirmed that all seven people on board died in the crash.
Sanjay Kumar Sahu, aged 41, was being flown for specialised medical care. He had suffered severe burn injuries after a short circuit triggered a fire at his hotel in Chandwa, Jharkhand. Medical reports stated that nearly 65 per cent of his body was affected.
He was initially treated at a private hospital in Ranchi. Doctors later advised advanced care in Delhi due to limited improvement. His family arranged nearly eight lakh rupees through loans and support from relatives and well wishers.
On board the flight were Sanjay’s wife Archana Devi and a relative named Dhruv Kumar. The pilot, co pilot, a doctor and a paramedic were also part of the medical transfer team. None survived the crash.
Preliminary reports suggest poor weather could have played a role. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau have launched a detailed investigation. Officials are examining technical and environmental factors.
The tragedy has deeply affected the community in Latehar. What began as a desperate effort to save a life ended in unimaginable loss. Friends and relatives gathered to mourn the sudden deaths.
The crash has raised serious concerns about emergency medical access and aviation safety. While investigations continue, attention remains on the grieving family. Their search for hope ended in heartbreak.
