SpiceJet Mumbai-Durgapur flight incident: DGCA says 2 injured passengers in ICU

Aviation regulator DGCA on Monday said two out of the 14 injured passengers aboard the SpiceJet Mumbai-Durgapur flight hit by severe turbulence are currently in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), according to news agency PTI. 

The development comes moments after the regulator instituted a multidisciplinary team to probe into the matter. It also took off roster flight crew, aircraft engineer, and in-charge of SpiceJet's maintenance control centre pending probe. 

DGCA informed that the aircraft involved in turbulence incident is at present grounded in Kolkata

Earlier today, SpiceJet had said the seat belt sign was on and multiple announcements were made by crew members asking passengers to remain seated on its Mumbai-Durgapur flight on May 1.

Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said, ''The turbulence encountered by a flight while landing in Durgapur, and the damage caused to the passengers is unfortunate. The DGCA has deputed a team to investigate the incident,'' The matter is being dealt with utmost seriousness and deftness, he said.

''More details on the cause(s) will be shared once the investigation is completed,'' Scindia noted.

A total of 15 people — 12 passengers and three cabin crew members — were injured in this flight due to severe turbulence, said officials of DGCA. Its chief Arun Kumar told PTI, ''We have deputed a multidisciplinary team to carry out regulatory investigation (into this incident).'' On Monday, SpiceJet spokesperson said, ''Eleven passengers travelling on SpiceJet flight SG-945 from Mumbai to Durgapur on May 1, which encountered severe turbulence during descent which unfortunately resulted in injuries to a few passengers, were hospitalised.'' Eight of those hospitalised have been discharged so far, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said it is providing all possible help to the injured. ''The seat belt sign was on when the aircraft encountered turbulence. Multiple announcements were made by the pilots and the crew instructed passengers to remain seated and keep their seat belt fastened,'' the spokesperson mentioned. Due to severe turbulence, injuries were caused to few passengers, the spokesperson noted.

''Timely medical assistance was provided upon arrival,'' the spokesperson added.

(With PTI inputs)