SILIGURI: In a remarkable display of quick thinking and prioritizing safety, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's helicopter made an emergency landing at the Sevoke air base near Siliguri on Tuesday afternoon. The unexpected turn of events was due to inclement weather conditions that posed a risk to the aircraft and its occupants, according to officials familiar with the situation.
The incident occurred as Mamata Banerjee was returning from an election rally in Jalpaiguri and heading towards the Bagdogra airport. However, her helicopter encountered adverse weather while flying over the Baikunthapur forest, leading to the pilot's decision to initiate an emergency landing. The challenging weather conditions, characterized by heavy rainfall and possibly reduced visibility, demanded swift action to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
In the face of the heavy downpour and unfavorable flying conditions, the pilot exercised caution and made the prudent choice to land the helicopter immediately. This decision showcased their expertise and commitment to safety, avoiding any potential risks that could have arisen from continuing the flight under such challenging circumstances. The emergency landing served as a precautionary measure to protect the well-being of the Chief Minister and her accompanying team.
Following the emergency landing, a revised travel plan was promptly put into action. It was decided that Mamata Banerjee would travel by road from the Sevoke air base to the Bagdogra airport. From there, she would resume her journey to Kolkata by air, ensuring the continuation of her commitments and minimizing any disruption caused by the unforeseen weather conditions.
GoFirst Extends Flight Cancellations till June 28, Details here
