Shota, a dentist by profession, was one of three passengers who first rushed toward the cockpit (Img: X )
Dubai: Captain Smit Machchhar suffered severe injuries after allegedly being attacked by his co-pilot during a flydubai flight, but remained conscious and helped prevent a mid-air disaster.
An Israeli dentist who rushed to the cockpit said the injured Indian pilot was losing significant blood but continued communicating with passengers while the aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia.
Also Read: PM Modi Hails Hero Smit Machchhar: How Indian Pilot Saved 174 Lives After Flydubai Attack
Musaev Shota, a dentist travelling on Flight FZ1073, was among the first three passengers to reach the cockpit after the confrontation. He helped restrain the alleged attacker before turning his attention to Captain Machchhar.
Shota said the pilot had serious wounds to his head and hands and was bleeding heavily. As the only medical professional among those who initially responded, he administered emergency treatment and worked to control the bleeding.
The dentist said Machchhar remained conscious despite his injuries. According to Shota, the pilot was able to speak with passengers and told them he was 39 years old and had two children.
Shota also recalled that Machchhar remained in contact with him while lying injured on the cockpit floor and appeared to be praying as they waited for the aircraft to land.
The dentist said Machchhar’s condition appeared relatively stable for much of the flight but deteriorated somewhat shortly before landing. After the aircraft reached Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, local medical personnel took over his treatment.
The account provides a closer look at the severity of the injuries suffered by the Indian captain during the cockpit struggle.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah are monitoring Machchhar’s condition. The embassy said he is admitted to a hospital in Tabuk City and receiving medical treatment, with initial reports indicating that he is stable. Officials are also in contact with his family.
Machchhar has since received praise from Indian and Israeli leaders for his actions during the emergency. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a “HERO” and said his courage helped save lives and avert a major tragedy.
