Aurangabad Village in Mourning After Tragic Air Ambulance Crash Claims Doctor's Life
A profound sense of sorrow enveloped Manika village in Aurangabad district on Tuesday as the mortal remains of Dr. Vikas Kumar Gupta, who perished in a devastating air ambulance crash in Jharkhand, were brought to his ancestral home. The somber atmosphere was palpable as villagers assembled in large numbers to offer their final tributes, with scenes of collective grief marking the emotional homecoming.
Tragic Details of the Fatal Accident
Dr. Gupta, the son of Bajrangi Prasad and a resident of Manika Bazar under Madanpur block, lost his life on Monday evening when a chartered air ambulance met with a catastrophic accident near Chatra in Jharkhand. The aircraft was en route from Ranchi to Delhi, transporting a patient identified as Sanjay Kumar. Tragically, all seven individuals on board, including the patient, succumbed to the crash, leaving families and communities shattered.
Family's Heartbreaking Farewell
Dr. Gupta's wife, Meena Kumari, and his mother, Aarti Devi, accompanied the body to Aurangabad, while his father was described as deeply traumatized by the sudden loss of his elder son. The last rites were conducted at the village cremation ground, where a particularly poignant moment unfolded as the doctor's eight-year-old son, Muhul Kumar Gupta, lit the funeral pyre—an image that moved many to tears and symbolized the profound personal tragedy.
Remembering a Dedicated Physician
Family members fondly recalled Dr. Gupta as a calm, soft-spoken, and service-oriented individual. His younger brother, Subhash Gupta, mentioned that Dr. Gupta had last visited the village during the Chhath festival, spending quality time with family before returning to Ranchi. For the past three years, Dr. Gupta had been serving diligently at Ranchi Sadar Hospital, where he built a reputation for his commitment to healthcare.
During the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Gupta's unwavering dedication to medical service earned him recognition and an honor from the Prime Minister, a source of immense pride for his family and the entire village. He had married in 2016 in Patna and is survived by his wife, who is employed with the State Bank of India in Ranchi, and their young son.
Community Tributes and Legacy
Villager Suraj Prasad Gupta expressed that Dr. Gupta was a beacon of pride for Manika, noting, "Whenever he returned home during festivals, he engaged warmly with everyone, particularly children, and often discussed the development of the village and broader society." This sentiment echoed throughout the community, highlighting his impact beyond his professional role.
The tragic incident has not only left a void in the lives of his loved ones but also underscored the risks associated with medical evacuation flights. As Aurangabad mourns, the legacy of Dr. Vikas Kumar Gupta as a compassionate doctor and community figure continues to resonate, remembered for his contributions during critical times and his enduring connection to his roots.
