In a tragic incident that unfolded on Friday night, a 70-year-old passenger aboard an Air India flight from Vancouver to Delhi was declared dead after being rushed to a hospital from Kolkata airport. The elderly man, identified as Dalbir Singh from Delhi, had complained of chest pain and breathing difficulties during the flight.
In-Flight Medical Emergency
Dalbir Singh began experiencing severe health issues while traveling on Air India flight AI 186, which had a scheduled stopover in Kolkata. According to airport sources, the cabin crew immediately alerted the pilot about Singh's deteriorating condition after he reported chest pain and trouble breathing.
The pilot promptly informed Kolkata airport authorities about the medical emergency onboard. The flight, carrying passengers from Vancouver to Delhi with a technical halt in Kolkata, was given priority handling upon arrival.
Emergency Deboarding and Hospitalization
Singh was deboarded from the aircraft around 9:15 PM and immediately transferred to a medical facility. Airport officials arranged for emergency medical services to be ready upon the flight's arrival in Kolkata.
"We heard that he was saying that he was having trouble breathing and was having chest pains. Whether he had any medical issues or not is not known," revealed a senior airport official familiar with the situation.
After the medical evacuation, the Air India flight continued its journey to Delhi at 10:10 PM with the remaining passengers onboard.
Tragic Outcome and Investigation
Despite immediate medical attention, Dalbir Singh was declared dead on arrival at R G Kar Hospital in Kolkata. Police sources confirmed that Singh's family members have been informed about the tragic incident.
The hospital authorities have taken the body for post-mortem examination, after which it will be handed over to the family following proper documentation and verification procedures.
Air India has not yet issued any official statement regarding the incident or the circumstances surrounding the passenger's death. This marks the second such medical emergency on the same flight route within six months.
In June this year, a similar incident occurred when a female passenger fell ill on the same Vancouver-Delhi flight. The aircraft had to return to Kolkata after being airborne for more than 25 minutes for a precautionary landing. That passenger was also declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
