Indian-origin Cardiologist among two killed in California plane crash
New York, Oct 12: A twin-engine plane owned by an Indian-origin Cardiologist has crashed in the US state of California, killing two persons, including the physician, and causing a fire that engulfed nearby homes and left a swath of destruction, according to media reports.
Dr Sugata Das, who worked as an Interventional Cardiologist at Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) in Arizona, owned the small plane, according to the centre. However, there's no confirmation whether Das was the pilot at the time of the crash on Monday, KYMA.com, a CBS/NBC-affiliated TV station, reported on Tuesday.
"We are deeply sad to hear news of a plane owned by local cardiologist Sugata Das, which crashed near Santee (California)," YRMC's Chief Medical Officer Bharat Magu said in a statement.
"As an outstanding cardiologist and dedicated family man, Das leaves a lasting legacy. We extend our prayers and support to his family, colleagues, and friends during this difficult time," Magu said.
The crash near Santana High School in Santee appeared to have sparked a fire that burned at least two homes, damaged five others and several vehicles, but responding firefighters were able to put out the blaze before it spread to other houses.
Another person who died was a UPS worker who was on the ground.
UPS confirmed that one of its employees was killed during the plane crash. "We are heartbroken by the loss of our employee, and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. We also send our condolences for the other individuals who are involved in this incident, and their families and friends." KXTV, an ABC affiliate, reported, citing a statement issued by the UPS.
At around 12:30 pm (local time), authorities began receiving reports of a plane down in a neighbourhood on Greencastle Street, the report added.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the plane was a twin-engine Cessna C340 and crashed at about 12:15 p.m.
"We do not yet know how many people were on board, it said.
The Cessna C340 is usually used for business and is pressurized. The plane has the capacity to seat six passengers, with two seats in the front and two in the back.
Born in a Bengali family, Das grew up in Pune. He was also the director of the Power of Love Foundation, a US non-profit organisation that is involved in helping women and children overseas that are infected or affected by AIDS and HIV, according to its website.
The website said Das, the father of two boys, lived in San Diego and was the owner of a twin-engine Cessna 340 and an instrument-rated pilot who flew between his home and Yuma.
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Ex-minister Shrawon Kumar appointed JD(U) legislative party leader in Bihar
Patna (PTI): Former Bihar minister Shrawon Kumar has been made the JD(U)'s legislative party leader, a notification issued by the state assembly secretariat said on Tuesday.
The development comes a day after the party's legislators had "authorised" national president Nitish Kumar to take a decision in the matter.
The JD(U) supremo had chaired a meeting of party MLAs and MLCs at 1, Anney Marg, the official residence of the Chief Minister of Bihar, which he is likely to vacate soon in view of having relinquished the top post.
Shrawon Kumar, a confidant of the JD(U) chief, is a seventh-term MLA from Nalanda constituency, which falls in the eponymous district to which the former CM also belongs.
The 68-year-old leader, who is a Kurmi, a powerful OBC group to which Nitish Kumar also belongs, has held portfolios like rural development, social welfare and transport in governments headed by his mentor, who has now moved to the Rajya Sabha.
Meanwhile, the JD(U) president's son Nishant congratulated Shrawon Kumar upon being appointed as the legislative party leader.
"This is great. I extend him my best wishes," he told reporters.
BJP leader Samrat Choudhary was sworn in as the 24th chief minister of Bihar on April 15, marking the first instance of a member of the saffron party assuming the top post in the state.
