‘Capt Smit Machchhar suffers skull fracture in attack’; more details emerge on injuries

ABU DHABI: Reports say Captain Smit Machchhar suffered a serious skull injury in the attack by his co-pilot. Smit reportedly sustained a skull fracture after co-pilot Hamam Al-Hammami attacked him with a crash axe. Reports say Smit suffered a depressed skull fracture which happens when a skull breaks and a piece of bone is pushed inward towards the brain. He was shifted to UAE after receiving emergency treatment in Saudi Arabia.

Since the displaced bone can put pressure on the brain or cause a brain injury, immediate medical treatment is essential. Smit also sustained injuries to his limbs, chest and upper abdomen in the co-pilot’s attack. Reports say that he is recuperating.

Captain Smit Machchhar thwarted Hamam Al-Hammami’s attempt to bring down a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Although the co-pilot stabbed the captain in the cockpit, the crew and passengers rushed in and subdued the attacker. They also helped regain control of the aircraft. Two off-duty pilots joined the effort and made an emergency landing at an international airport in Saudi Arabia. A medical team arrived immediately and took the captain to the hospital.