Six Injured in Emergency Crash Landing of Private Aircraft Near Odisha's Rourkela

At least six people sustained minor injuries when a nine-seater private aircraft operated by India One Airlines made an emergency crash landing near Rourkela in Odisha on Saturday.

The Cessna 208 aircraft, flight number C-208, was en route from Bhubaneswar to Rourkela as part of a regular regional service when it encountered a technical issue. The pilot skillfully executed a forced belly landing in an open field at Jalda (near the Raghunathpali area), approximately 10 km short of the Rourkela airstrip, averting a more serious outcome.

On board were four passengers and two crew members, totalling six individuals. All were reported stable after receiving immediate medical attention, with the injured promptly shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Odisha's Commerce and Transport Minister B.B. Jena addressed the media, stating: "By the grace of God, this is not a major accident." He confirmed that the state government had informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and officials would soon inspect the site.

The Director of Biju Patnaik International Airport, Prasanna Pradhan, also verified the details, emphasizing that all occupants were safe following the incident.

Rescue teams, including fire units from Rourkela and Panposh, rushed to the location to assist. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the technical snag.

Fortunately, no fatalities occurred, and the quick response by the flight crew has been credited with preventing a tragedy. The flight operates under India's regional connectivity scheme to connect smaller cities.

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