Mamta Banerjee narrowly escaped! helicopter surrounded by rainstorm; emergency landing

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee narrowly escaped the accident. Banerjee's helicopter faced a close call with disaster as it encountered a fierce storm and heavy rain while returning from Jalpaiguri. The quick thinking and skillful maneuvering of the pilot averted a potential tragedy, resulting in an emergency landing at the Sevak Air Force Base.

The Chief Minister had been on a campaign tour for the ongoing Panchayat elections and was en route to Kolkata via Bagdogra when the adverse weather conditions struck. As the helicopter flew over the Baikuthpur forest, torrential rain lashed the aircraft, causing severe turbulence and endangering the safety of everyone on board.

With visibility rapidly diminishing and the situation becoming increasingly perilous, the pilot swiftly altered the course and steered the helicopter towards a safer area of the sky. Displaying remarkable composure under pressure, the pilot executed an emergency landing at the Sevak Air Force Base, ensuring the well-being of the Chief Minister and the entire crew.

It is worth noting that emergency landings usually require prior permission from authorities, but in this critical situation, the pilot had to make a split-second decision to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. The successful landing at the airbase has since allowed for alternative arrangements to be made for Mamata Banerjee's onward journey to Kolkata, with the Chief Minister expected to travel by road.

Speaking about the incident, Trinamool leader Rajiv Banerjee expressed relief that Mamata Banerjee had escaped unharmed and emphasized the paramount importance of her safety. The local police administration was promptly informed about the emergency landing, and necessary measures were taken to ensure a smooth transition for the Chief Minister's travel plans.

The incident occurred against the backdrop of ongoing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms affecting various parts of North Bengal, including Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong. These inclement weather conditions have created significant challenges and disruptions in the region, underscoring the need for heightened caution and vigilance during travel operations.