Monday’s horrific air ambulance accident in Chatra, Jharkhand, ended seven lives in an instant. On board were a patient, relatives, the pilot duo, a doctor, and medical personnel. The news hit the victims’ families like a thunderbolt, especially the home of co-pilot Swarajdeep Singh from Amritsar’s Govind Nagar. Just 18 months into his piloting career, with a wife and infant son waiting at home, his death has left an indelible scar.
Swarajdeep was known in his community as an amiable soul, always respectful and dutiful. Councilor Inderjeet Singh and resident Amardeep Singh voiced the collective sorrow: ‘This is a heartbreaking loss for his parents.’ The young aviator had spoken to his mother mere hours earlier, mentioning his Ranchi-Delhi route and promising a follow-up call.
Family attempts to reach him failed after two hours, leading to dread. TV reports and a company email soon verified the crash fatalities. Amid the widespread grief, residents are urging authorities for thorough probes into aircraft safety standards. Swarajdeep’s untimely demise underscores the urgent need for enhanced protocols in air medical services, as his community rallies in shared anguish.