Bhubaneswar, 10 January (H.S.): An IndiaOne Air aircraft operating on the Bhubaneswar-Rourkela route made a forced landing near Jalda, approximately eight nautical miles short of Rourkela, on Saturday. All six individuals onboard-including two pilots and four passengers-are safe, with no fatalities reported.

According to a press release from the Commerce and Transport Department, the Caravan 208 aircraft (registration VT-KSS) departed Bhubaneswar at 12:27 PM. The pilots executed a controlled forced landing, a decision credited with preventing loss of life. Following the incident, the district administration quickly arrived at the site and transported the injured pilots and passengers to medical facilities in Rourkela.

Initially, three passengers were admitted to J.P. Hospital, while the two pilots and one passenger were taken to Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH). Later, all six were transferred to J.P. Hospital in Rourkela, where they are currently receiving treatment and observation. Their condition is reported to be stable.

The incident has been formally reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and other relevant authorities. As per regulations, the airline will submit a detailed report to the DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) for further action.

The Directorate of Civil Aviation, under the Commerce & Transport Department, is aware of the situation and is providing all necessary support to passengers through the district administration, as well as coordinating with the airline. A control room has been established at the Directorate of Civil Aviation, which is now operational (Landline: 0674-2596128; Mobile: 9861096371).

A DGCA team has departed from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata and is expected to arrive in Rourkela by evening, while an AAIB team is likely to arrive by Wednesday to conduct a thorough investigation. Two officials from the Directorate of Civil Aviation have also been assigned to Rourkela to coordinate with all stakeholders.

Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has reviewed the situation and instructed officials to provide all possible support to the passengers, pilots, and relevant authorities. The Minister for Commerce & Transport Bibhuti Jena is also closely monitoring developments. The district administration, including the Collector and Superintendent of Police, continues to oversee the situation on the ground.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda