Indian Pilot Injured in Cockpit Attack Stable in Saudi Hospital
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Indian pilot stabbed in cockpit is stable in Saudi hospital.
- Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain during flight.
- Crew and passengers subdued the attacker, preventing disaster.
- Israeli PM Netanyahu praised the pilot's courage and actions.
- The aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
The Indian pilot who was stabbed in the cockpit by his co-pilot from Oman is in stable condition and receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, the Indian Embassy in the Kingdom announced Wednesday. Captain Smit Vichare was reportedly attacked and wounded after an Omani national managed to enter the cockpit during the flight and stab him. The flight crew and ground personnel acted quickly to neutralize the threat and safely land the aircraft to provide the pilot with urgent medical care.
The Indian diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia stated that its representatives are closely monitoring the situation and awaiting a full medical report on Vichare's condition. The embassy is also in direct contact with his family, providing support throughout his recovery and treatment with local authorities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly wished Vichare a speedy recovery, praising his "extraordinary courage." Netanyahu stated on social media that Vichare, despite being seriously wounded, fought his attacker, opened the cockpit door, and allowed passengers and crew to subdue the assailant, thereby preventing a major aerial disaster and saving the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens.
Vichare, who has 15 years of aviation experience and joined Flydubai in June 2022, sustained his injuries, possibly from an emergency axe in the cockpit, during the struggle. Despite his wounds, he managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to enter and overpower the co-pilot, who allegedly attempted to crash the plane. The aircraft entered a spin and began to dive during the incident. One passenger recounted that they neutralized the attacker, and a doctor helped stabilize the captain, describing the event as "crazy."
Another pilot from Fiji entered the cockpit and managed to regain control of the aircraft, which sustained damage during the rapid descent. Passengers and crew who returned to Israel were met with a reception at Ben Gurion Airport.
Read the original at Kikar HaShabbatMentioned
