Indian air ambulance makes emergency landing in Dhaka

Dhaka: An Indian air ambulance carrying a patient on a medical evacuation mission made an emergency landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on October 18 after a cabin pressurisation malfunction damaged its main door, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB).

The patient was later taken to Kurmitola Multicare Specialised Hospital, where on-duty doctors declared the patient dead, said a release from the regulatory agency.

The Beechcraft King Air C90A, registered as VT-HYA, departed Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala, India, for Kolkata at 1:05 pm Indian time with seven people on board, including two crew members, a patient, a doctor and a paramedic.

While the aircraft was climbing through an altitude of 12,000 feet, a malfunction in the cabin pressurisation system caused its main door to sustain damage and partially open, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency to ensure the safety of everyone on board.

Authorities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport activated emergency response preparations before the aircraft landed. Firefighting and rescue vehicles, ambulances, medical personnel and other emergency service providers were placed on standby.

The aircraft landed safely at the Dhaka airport at 1:40 pm local time, CAAB said.

All crew members and other occupants were safe after the landing, but the patient was immediately transferred to the hospital, where doctors subsequently declared the patient dead.

CAAB said the relevant authorities provided necessary assistance to the crew and other occupants on humanitarian grounds and as part of international cooperation, despite outstanding clearance formalities.

The authorities also coordinated with the Indian High Commission in Dhaka to facilitate the required diplomatic clearances. Representatives of the Indian mission were present at the airport and worked with the relevant authorities.

CAAB Chairman, Member (Operations), Member (Air Traffic Management) and Executive Director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport were present at the scene to monitor the situation and coordinate the necessary response.