A delegation of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs onboard an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar faced severe turbulence due to a sudden hailstorm mid-air, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency before landing safely.
Among the 227 passengers, five TMC leaders—Derek O’Brien, Sagarika Ghose, Nadimul Haque, Mamata Thakur, and Manas Bhunia—were traveling to Jammu and Kashmir to express solidarity with families affected by cross-border violence.
Mid-Air Chaos and Emergency Landing
The flight, IndiGo 6E 2142, encountered extreme weather conditions, leading to intense turbulence that left passengers in panic. TMC MP Sagarika Ghose described the experience as “near death”, recalling how passengers screamed, prayed, and panicked as the aircraft shook violently.
Despite the chaos, the pilot skillfully navigated the storm, ensuring a safe landing at Srinagar Airport at 6:30 PM. However, the nose of the aircraft suffered visible damage, requiring immediate inspection and maintenance.
Political Delegation’s Mission in J&K
The TMC delegation is scheduled to visit Poonch and Rajouri during their stay in Jammu and Kashmir until May 23. Their visit aims to stand in solidarity with civilians affected by recent cross-border attacks and offer condolences to grieving families.
IndiGo’s Official Statement
IndiGo Airlines confirmed the incident, stating that the flight encountered a sudden hailstorm en route but followed established safety protocols to ensure a secure landing. The airline assured passengers that the aircraft would undergo necessary inspections before resuming operations.
Storm Disrupts Delhi, Causes Casualties
The turbulence was part of a larger storm system that swept through Delhi, bringing winds up to 79 kmph. The extreme weather led to one fatality and uprooted several electricity poles across the city.
Passengers Praise Pilot’s Expertise
Several passengers, including TMC leaders, commended the pilot for his composure and expertise in handling the crisis. “Hats off to the pilot who brought us through that,” said Ghose, adding that the delegation personally thanked him upon landing.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the unpredictability of extreme weather conditions and the importance of aviation safety protocols. While the passengers are safe, the experience remains a harrowing reminder of the risks associated with air travel during turbulent weather.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned.
