Rourkela, 12/1 : Odisha Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena visited the site of the recent emergency aircraft landing near Rourkela on Monday to personally monitor the ongoing investigation and assess the condition of the survivors. The Minister’s visit comes just days after the IndiaOne Air flight (VT-KSS) executed a forced landing in an open field near Jalda, averting a potential catastrophe.
Accompanied by senior officials, Minister Jena inspected the crash site where the nine-seater Cessna Grand Caravan had come to rest. Speaking to the press from the location, he termed the incident “unfortunate” but expressed relief that a major tragedy was avoided. He credited the quick thinking and professional conduct of the pilots for saving the lives of all four passengers and the two crew members on board. “The pilots ensured a controlled landing in a difficult situation, due to which lives have been saved,” Jena remarked, emphasizing that the state government considers passenger safety its foremost priority.
Following the site inspection, the Minister visited JP Hospital in Rourkela to check on the injured. He met with the medical teams and family members of the victims to ensure they were receiving the best possible care. Updates from the hospital indicate that while the pilots sustained significant injuries and have undergone surgery, they are currently in stable condition. One passenger remains on ventilator support due to pre-existing health complications but is showing signs of improvement, while two others have been airlifted to Mumbai for advanced treatment.
Addressing the cause of the mishap, Minister Jena shared preliminary findings suggesting the aircraft experienced a sudden drop in pressure and lost balance while flying at a relatively low altitude. However, he stressed that a comprehensive inquiry is underway. Expert teams from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are currently at the site conducting a meticulous ground-level assessment to determine the precise technical reasons behind the malfunction.
The Minister assured the public that the state government is coordinating closely with federal aviation authorities. “We are deeply concerned about why this occurred. Strict measures will be taken based on the investigation report to ensure such incidents do not recur,” he stated. The Transport Department has also been directed to review safety protocols for regional connectivity flights to restore passenger confidence in the wake of the accident.
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