Indian Patient Dies After Air Ambulance Diverts to Dhaka

A 56-year-old Indian woman died on Sunday, October 18, after the air ambulance transporting her from Agartala to Kolkata was forced to perform an emergency landing in Dhaka. The flight, operated by SKB Infracon Pvt Ltd, encountered a severe technical fault when its door partially opened while the aircraft was climbing through 12,000 feet.

The Beechcraft King Air C90A, registered as VT-HYA, successfully touched down at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at approximately 1:40 p.m. local time. There were seven individuals on board the flight, including the patient, Anjana Bhowmik, two pilots, a doctor, a paramedic, and two companions. While the aircraft landed safely, Bhowmik was immediately transported to Kurmitola Multicare Specialised Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 4:40 p.m.

Flight and Incident Logistics

• Aircraft Model: Beechcraft King Air C90A (VT-HYA)
• Incident Altitude: 12,000 feet
• Landing Time: 1:40 p.m. local time
• Total Occupants: 7 (2 pilots, 1 patient, 1 doctor, 1 paramedic, 2 companions)
• Hospital Location: Kurmitola Multicare Specialised Hospital

The exact cause of Bhowmik’s death remains under investigation, and it has not been determined if the technical malfunction directly contributed to her medical state or if she succumbed to pre-existing health complications. Airport Police Station officer-in-charge Kamrul Hasan Talukder confirmed the timeline of her passing at the hospital facility later that afternoon. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear.

Although the aircraft lacked the necessary clearance for an international landing, Bangladeshi authorities allowed the emergency arrival on humanitarian grounds.

The Indian High Commission in Dhaka worked in close coordination with local officials to navigate the required diplomatic processes.

The remaining six passengers and crew were reported to be safe following the landing.

The aircraft has remained grounded at the Dhaka airport as investigators and officials work to address the unresolved clearance issues and the technical malfunction that prompted the diversion.

Important Details

• Air India hydraulic fault: Second incident in 10 days.
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