THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 27, 2026

 In a remarkable story of resilience, timely medical intervention and compassionate care, Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai has given a middle-aged couple injured in the Odisha aircraft crash a second chance to celebrate life together. Mr Sunil Agarwal and Mrs Sabita Agarwal, both 49, were discharged on January 21, 2026, after ten days of advanced trauma care, enabling them to return to Bhubaneswar and mark their 28th wedding anniversary with their family.

The couple sustained serious, complex injuries when a nine-seater aircraft carrying six people, including four passengers and two crew members, crash-landed near Rourkela in Odisha’s Sundargarh district on January 10, 2026. Following the crash, they were rushed to a local trauma centre in Rourkela, where their condition was closely monitored due to the nature of aircraft-related injuries, which are often multi-layered and not immediately apparent.

Recognising the severity and complexity of the trauma, the medical team in Rourkela consulted Dr Sachin Bhonsle, Senior Consultant – Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement Surgery at Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai. After a detailed evaluation of scans and clinical findings, a decision was taken to stabilise the patients locally before transferring them to Mumbai. Once their vitals were stabilised, the couple was airlifted to Fortis Hospital Mulund in an air ambulance on January 11, 2026. The family chose Fortis Mulund for its strong reputation in comprehensive trauma care and its multidisciplinary expertise in managing complex medical emergencies.

On arrival, the couple was immediately assessed by a specialised trauma team led by Dr Bhonsle. Mrs Sabita Agarwal required urgent surgical intervention for a right femur fracture along with associated pelvic and spine injuries, while Mr Sunil Agarwal needed prompt reconstruction surgery for a severe right knee injury. The coordinated treatment plan also involved spine care, with Dr Vikas Gupte, Senior Consultant – Spine Surgery, addressing the spinal trauma, which proved critical to the overall recovery process.

Recalling their ordeal, Mr and Mrs Agarwal shared that the moments following the crash were filled with uncertainty about survival. They said that upon reaching Fortis Mulund, the medical team took charge immediately, managing their pain within the first 30 minutes and providing much-needed reassurance. Beyond advanced medical treatment, they highlighted the compassion and emotional support extended by doctors, nurses, administrative and support staff, which helped them cope with the physical and psychological trauma of the accident.

Post-surgery, both patients showed steady and consistent improvement. Their recovery was supported by structured pain management, intensive physiotherapy, specialised nursing, nutritional support and trauma counselling. The care teams closely monitored their progress to ensure safe rehabilitation without complications.

Speaking on the successful outcome, Dr Vishal Beri, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai, said that the couple received comprehensive trauma care, rehabilitation and supportive treatment during their ten-day hospital stay. He noted that the most meaningful outcome was their ability to return home and celebrate their 28th wedding anniversary with family and friends, turning a moment of tragedy into one of gratitude and hope.

Both patients are now stable and recovering well, though they are not yet fully mobile. They have been cleared for transfer and will continue follow-up treatment closer to their hometown in Bhubaneswar, as they continue their journey towards complete recovery.