Small Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing Near Rourkela, All Occupants Safe
A nine-seater aircraft operating on the Bhubaneswar-Rourkela route was involved in an accident while attempting to land on Saturday. The incident occurred approximately 8 nautical miles (about 10 km) short of the Rourkela Airport, near an area called Jalda. All six individuals on board – comprising four passengers and two crew members – survived the crash landing with minor injuries.
Timeline of the Incident and Official Response
The India One Air flight had departed from Bhubaneswar at 12:27 hours. According to Odisha's Commerce and Transport Minister, Bibhuti Jena, the pilot detected technical issues shortly after takeoff. The mishap occurred during the subsequent attempt to land the aircraft away from the airport. Following the crash, the district administration swiftly reached the site and shifted the injured to medical facilities in Rourkela.
In a press release, the Directorate of Aviation confirmed the details, stating the pilots' actions ensured lives were saved. Three passengers are being treated at J.P. Hospital, while the two pilots and one passenger are receiving care at Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH). All are under medical observation and no fatalities have been reported. The accident has been formally reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation for further investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Leadership Assures Support and Best Medical Care
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sadness over the incident but noted reassurance that all passengers were safe. On social media platform X, he stated, "I have directed that immediate best medical services be provided to those injured in this incident. I am personally monitoring the situation." He credited Lord Jagannath for the safety of the passengers and prayed for their swift recovery.
Minister Bibhuti Jena echoed that all passengers are stable and announced that the state government will dispatch a team to the spot to assess the situation. The Directorate of Civil Aviation affirmed it is seized of the matter and is extending all necessary support to the passengers through the district administration and to the airline. The situation remains under close watch, with updates to be provided as the investigation progresses.
