Ranchi/Simaria: A medical air ambulance carrying seven people from Ranchi to Delhi crashed on Monday evening near Simaria in Jharkhand's Chatra district, officials confirmed. The plane took off from Ranchi airport at around 7.10 pm, according to Ranchi Airport Director Vinod Kumar.

"An air ambulance from Ranchi with seven people onboard crashed near Simaria in Chatra district. The report of the crash was received from the state administration," Kumar told PTI

Details of flight and passengers

The aircraft, a Beechcraft King Air BE9L operated by Delhi-based Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd, departed Ranchi at 7.07 pm with a patient on board. In addition to the patient, the flight included a doctor, a paramedic, two attendants, a pilot in command, and a co-pilot.

The flight was scheduled to land in Delhi at 10 pm. Contact with Air Traffic Control was lost at 7.34 pm. Its last tracked location was near Palamau before it reportedly crashed in the Kasiyatu forest near Simaria, Chatra.

The Chatra Superintendent of Police told HT that officials are reaching the crash site. "After reaching the spot, details of casualties and damage would be known," the officer said.

Authorities respond, investigation underway

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the aircraft disappeared from radar shortly after takeoff. Sources said: "A charter plane disappeared from radar shortly after takeoff from Ranchi Airport. A medical flight took off. Its contact was established with the next station, then the control was handed over to the next station. After this contact was lost. The plane did not contact the Ranchi Airport. The State has been informed about this. All necessary SOPs are being followed."

Airport authorities have notified the government and are following standard procedures. Further information is awaited as rescue and investigation operations continue.