An Iraqi Airways flight bound for China made an unexpected emergency landing at Kolkata Airport late Wednesday night due to a medical emergency involving a teenage passenger. The flight, IA-473, was approximately 30 minutes away from its destination when the pilot contacted Airport Traffic Control (ATC) to request an urgent landing.
Upon landing safely at 10:12 PM, airport health officials promptly attended to the situation. The teenage girl, who was traveling from Iraq to China for kidney treatment, had fallen critically ill during the flight. Tragically, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, prompting officials at a local private hospital to notify the police.
In light of the unfortunate circumstances, Kolkata police assisted the girl’s family, who faced significant language barriers, in finding accommodations for the night. Coordination with the Iraqi diplomatic mission in Delhi facilitated communication through an interpreter, helping to clarify the family’s situation and needs.
The teenager’s body has been transferred to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital for a postmortem examination, which is expected to be completed soon. Following the necessary formalities, arrangements are being made for her remains to be returned to Baghdad via Delhi in a coffin.
Despite the distressing incident, the remaining 97 passengers and 15 crew members of Iraqi Airways flight IA-473 were able to continue their journey. The flight departed Kolkata for Guangzhou at 1:49 PM after all protocols were observed.
This incident highlights the complexities and challenges faced during international travel, particularly in emergencies involving language barriers and medical crises.