Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai, has successfully treated a middle-aged couple who sustained severe injuries after a nine-seater aircraft crash-landed near Rourkela in Odisha’s Sundargarh district on January 10, 2026. After 10 days of intensive and coordinated trauma care, Mr. Sunil Agarwal and Mrs. Sabita Agarwal were discharged on January 21 and returned to Bhubaneswar to celebrate their 28th wedding anniversary with family.
Aircraft Crash and Initial Emergency Care
As per the press release, the aircraft was carrying six people, including four passengers and two crew members, when it crash-landed in Rourkela. Among the passengers, both Mr. and Mrs. Agarwal, aged 49, suffered multiple and complex injuries. Emergency responders initially rushed them to a local trauma centre for immediate stabilisation.
Given that injuries sustained in aircraft-related trauma are often multi-layered and not always immediately evident, doctors closely monitored their condition during the early phase of treatment.
Medical Coordination and Transfer to Mumbai
The treating team in Rourkela consulted Dr. Sachin Bhonsle, Senior Consultant – Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement Surgery at Fortis Hospital Mulund. After carefully reviewing diagnostic scans and the couple’s clinical status, doctors decided to stabilise the patients locally before transferring them to Mumbai.
Once their vital parameters stabilised, the couple was airlifted to Fortis Hospital Mulund via air ambulance on January 11, 2026. The family chose Fortis Mulund for its expertise in comprehensive trauma management and its strong multidisciplinary care framework.
Comprehensive Trauma Assessment and Surgical Care
Upon arrival, the trauma team led by Dr. Sachin Bhonsle conducted a detailed assessment. Doctors identified that Mrs. Sabita Agarwal required immediate surgical intervention for a right femur fracture, along with associated pelvic and spinal injuries. Meanwhile, Mr. Sunil Agarwal needed urgent reconstructive surgery for a severe right knee injury.
In addition, the Spine Care team, led by Dr. Vikas Gupte, Senior Consultant – Spine Surgery, managed the spine-related trauma, a critical component of the overall recovery plan. This coordinated, multi-specialty approach ensured timely and precise treatment for both patients.
Patient Experience and Emotional Recovery
Sharing their experience, Mr. and Mrs. Agarwal said,
“When the crash happened, we were unsure if we would survive. When we reached Fortis Mulund, the medical team immediately took control. Within 30 minutes, the pain was managed and we felt reassured. What we experienced was not just advanced medical care, but genuine compassion from doctors, nurses, administrative staff, and support teams who helped us overcome immense physical and emotional trauma.”
Rehabilitation and Post-Surgical Care
Following surgery, both patients showed gradual but steady improvement. Their recovery was supported by structured pain management, intensive physiotherapy, specialised nursing care, nutritional support, and trauma counselling. Care teams closely monitored their progress to ensure safe rehabilitation without complications.
Hospital Leadership on the Outcome
Commenting on the outcome, Dr. Vishal Beri, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai, said,
“The couple remained under our care for 10 days and received comprehensive trauma treatment, rehabilitation, and supportive care. Today, they are stable and fit to return home to Bhubaneswar. What makes this recovery especially meaningful is that they are able to celebrate their 28th wedding anniversary with family and friends.”
Discharge and Ongoing Follow-Up
Although both patients are still regaining mobility, doctors have declared them clinically stable and fit for transfer. They will continue follow-up treatment and rehabilitation closer to their home in Bhubaneswar.
This case highlights the critical role of timely medical intervention, multidisciplinary coordination, and comprehensive trauma care in achieving successful outcomes even after high-impact aviation-related injuries.