The incident occurred on Saturday near Jalda, around 10 kilometres from Rourkela, when the small aircraft made an emergency landing during its journey between Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
Odisha’s Commerce and Transport Minister B B Jena said, “One A-1 nine-seater private flight carrying six passengers from Rourkela to Bhubaneswar has met with an accident. The passengers have sustained minor injuries and are stable. It took place at Jalda, 10 kilometres from Rourkela. By the grace of God, this is not a major accident.”
Rourkela SP Nitesh Wadhwani told PTI that there were four passengers, including two women, and two pilots on board. He said Captain Naveen and Captain Tarun were flying the aircraft. “Two seriously injured persons are admitted to the ICU. They are Captain Naveen with head injury and another person,” he added.
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Airport Director Prasanna Pradhan said, “The flight was on its way from Bhubaneswar to Rourkela. It made a crash landing 10 km before Rourkela. There were 4 passengers and 2 crew members. All are safe. The flight is India One Airlines. The number of the flight is C-208.”
Officials said the state government has informed the DGCA, and investigation teams from DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are heading to the site. “Our director will also soon visit the accident site,” Jena said.
The Directorate of Aviation said, “Three passengers are treated at J P Hospital, and two pilots and one passenger are treated at Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH). All injured persons are under medical treatment/ observation and no fatalities.”
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the situation and said, “I am deeply saddened to learn about the plane crash that occurred in Rourkela. The news that all passengers are safe by the grace of Lord Jagannath is reassuring. I have directed that the best medical services be provided to those injured in this incident. I am personally monitoring the situation. I am praying to Lord Sri Jagannath for the swift recovery of all.”
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Airport sources said the aircraft, a Caravan 208 operated by India One Air, departed Bhubaneswar at 12:27 pm. About 10 kilometres before Rourkela, it made an emergency crash landing near Jalda. An official said, “Pilots have ensured the landing due to which lives have been saved.”
