Lucknow, March 7 (NationPress) In a narrow escape, Uttar Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya faced a serious situation on Saturday when the helicopter he was flying in encountered a technical issue, resulting in an emergency landing at Lucknow Airport.

The Deputy Chief Minister was en route from La Martiniere Ground in Lucknow to Kaushambi when the incident occurred.

Sources indicate that a sudden technical malfunction compelled the pilot to execute an emergency landing at Lucknow Airport to ensure the safety of all passengers, which included Maurya and the crew.

Reports suggest that smoke was observed inside the helicopter, prompting the pilot to act swiftly for the safety of everyone on board.

Post-landing, arrangements are underway for Maurya to proceed to Kaushambi via road.

Meanwhile, the helicopter is undergoing a comprehensive technical examination to identify the cause of the malfunction and to validate its safety for future flights.

Maurya has plans to attend a public event in Kaushambi later today, where he will engage with approximately 10,000 women linked to self-help groups during the two-day Saras Mahotsav. This event is designed to promote rural livelihoods and empower women.

During the event, Maurya will gain insights into the accomplishments and experiences of women from various self-help groups, aiming to motivate them towards enhanced financial independence and self-sufficiency.

The Deputy Chief Minister is also scheduled to inaugurate the Saras Mahotsav, taking place at the Babu Singh Degree College Ground in Sayara, which is expected to attract nearly 10,000 women from self-help groups throughout the district.

Officials have stated that the programme is intended to highlight the work of women entrepreneurs from rural regions and to underline their contributions to local economic growth.

This incident arrives at a time of heightened awareness regarding aviation safety, following a tragic aircraft accident in Maharashtra earlier this year. On January 28, a Learjet 45XR aircraft tragically crashed while attempting to land in Baramati, Pune.

The aircraft, registered as VT-SSK and operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, was carrying five individuals, including Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer, a flight attendant, and two pilots.

Reports suggest that the aircraft was conducting a non-scheduled VIP charter flight from Mumbai when it crashed while trying to land on Runway 11 at Baramati.