A small aircraft executed an emergency belly landing approximately nine kilometers from Rourkela airstrip due to a mid-flight technical fault. While all passengers emerged safely, the pilot sustained serious injuries and was transported to a hospital for medical attention. The pilot’s quick thinking in spotting an open grassland prevented further casualties.

The incident triggered protests in the area, with Opposition leaders alleging political links to the main accused, claims denied by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

A small aircraft with nine passengers crashed near Jagada block by Rourkela airstrip in Odisha while trying to take off for Bhubaneswar on Saturday.