Patient dies after Indian air ambulance makes emergency landing in Dhaka as door opens mid-air

A patient died after an Indian air ambulance made an emergency landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka toay (18 October) following a cabin pressurisation failure that damaged the aircraft's main door, causing it to open partially mid-flight.

The Beechcraft King Air C90A, registered as VT-HYA, was operating a medical evacuation mission from Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala to Kolkata when the incident occurred, according to a press release from the airport authorities.

The aircraft had seven people on board, including two crew members, a patient, a doctor and a paramedic, when it departed Agartala at 1:05pm Indian time.

While the aircraft was climbing above 12,000 feet, a fault developed in its cabin pressurisation system, damaging the main door and causing it to open partially. The pilot declared an emergency to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew, the press release said.

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport authorities activated emergency response preparations before the aircraft arrived, keeping fire and rescue vehicles, ambulances, medical personnel and other emergency services ready.

The aircraft landed safely at the airport at 1:40pm local time.

Following the landing, all crew members and other occupants were reported safe. The patient was immediately transferred to Kurmitola Multicare Specialized Hospital, where the attending doctor declared the patient dead.

The airport authorities said they provided necessary assistance to the crew and other occupants on humanitarian grounds and as part of international cooperation, although their required clearance formalities had not been completed.

The authorities also coordinated with the Indian embassy in Dhaka to facilitate the necessary diplomatic clearances. Embassy representatives visited the airport and coordinated with the relevant authorities, according to the press release.