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Air Ambulance Danger: Power Lines Threaten Rescue
9 Jan
Summary
- Helicopter pilot nearly aborted landing due to live power lines.
- Patient Kirti Chandel, 21, airlifted for spinal tumour treatment.
- Coordination gaps caused original evacuation schedule to be cancelled.
A critical air evacuation in Madhya Pradesh's Dindori district faced significant peril when the air ambulance pilot discovered live power lines dangerously close to the helipad. The pilot had to hover for approximately 15 minutes before managing a landing at the police ground helipad, a situation that prompted immediate action to clear the hazardous wires.
This mission, the first of its kind in Dindori under the PM Shri Air Ambulance service, aimed to airlift 21-year-old Kirti Chandel, diagnosed with a spinal tumour. Kirti’s father expressed distress over her deteriorating health, which began in June after completing her BSc and preparing for MSc studies. She had previously undergone surgery for the tumour.
The operation, however, underscored glaring administrative failures. The helicopter's arrival was delayed by a day after its initial Wednesday afternoon schedule was cancelled. Public Works Department officials disclaimed responsibility for helipad safety, stating that no safety clearance had been issued or requested for the site.
