Dhaka:An Indian air ambulance was forced to make an emergency landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport due to a cabin pressurisation fault. The patient on board was later declared dead at a hospital in Dhaka.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Beechcraft King Air C90A, with registration VT-HYA, was performing a medical evacuation from Agartala to Kolkata. The aircraft, which departed from Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport at 105 pm Indian time, had seven people on board, including two crew members, a patient, a doctor, and a paramedic.
The incident occurred as the aircraft climbed through 12,000 feet, when a cabin pressurisation fault caused damage to its main door, partially opening it. The pilot declared an emergency and diverted the flight to Dhaka, ensuring a safe landing at 140 pm Bangladesh time.
Before the landing, airport authorities had prepared firefighting and rescue vehicles, ambulances, doctors, and other emergency services. The patient was quickly transferred to Kurmitola Multicare Specialized Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
All other occupants, including the crew, were reported safe. Authorities provided assistance on humanitarian grounds despite not having completed the necessary clearance formalities for the crew and passengers. Coordination with the Indian High Commission in Dhaka facilitated the required diplomatic measures, with representatives at the airport liaising with relevant authorities.
Senior officials, including the CAAB chairman and members of the airport's management, were present to oversee and coordinate the emergency response.