23 February,2026 11:14 PM IST | New | mid-day online correspondent
District Administration search and rescue team have rushed to the spot, the DGCA said. Pic/Special Arrangement
An air ambulance carrying seven people to Delhi from Ranchi reportedly crashed near Jharkhand's Simaria, Ranchi airport director said, reported the PTI.
"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," Airport Director Kumar told PTI.
The ambulance had lost contact with air traffic control, he said.
According to the ANI, a charter plane carrying an unknown number of passengers and crew has disappeared from radar shortly after departing from Ranchi airport. Officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed late Monday evening.
As per Ranchi Airport sources, "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.
In an official statement, the DGCA said, "On 23.02.2026 Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd Beechcraft C90 aircraft VT-AJV operating medical evacuation (Air Ambulance) flight on sector "Ranchi-Delhi" crashed in Kasaria Panchayat of Chatra district, in Jharkhand. There were seven persons on board including two crew members. The aircraft was airborne from Ranchi at 19:11 IST. After establishing contact with Kolkata, at19:34 IST aircraft lost communication and RADAR contact with Kolkata at approximately 100 NM South-East of Varanasi. District Administration search and rescue team is at the location and AAIB team is being dispatched for investigation. Further information will be shared."
Further details of the crash are awaited.
(with PTI and ANI inputs)
