On July 8, 2025, a tragic mid-air collision near Steinbach, Manitoba, claimed the lives of two student pilots, including 21-year-old Sreehari Sukesh from Kerala, India, and 20-year-old Canadian Savanna May Royes. The incident occurred around 8:45 a.m., approximately 400 meters from a runway at Harv’s Air pilot training school, where both were practicing takeoffs and landings in single-engine Cessna aircraft.

The planes collided while attempting to land simultaneously, with no passengers on board, and both pilots were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed “profound sorrow” over Sukesh’s death, stating it is in contact with his family, Harv’s Air, and local police to provide support. Sukesh, a resident of Thrippunithura, Kochi, held a private pilot’s license and was training for his commercial certification. Royes, who dreamed of following her father’s path as a pilot, was pursuing her private pilot’s license.

Also Read: Order classifying Anil Ambani’s loan account as ‘fraudulent’ withdrawn: Canara Bank to HC

Adam Penner, president of Harv’s Air, noted the planes were equipped with radios, but a communication breakdown likely caused the crash, as neither pilot appeared to see the other. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating the incident.

A local resident, Nathaniel Plett, described hearing a loud bang and seeing pillars of black smoke, signaling the tragedy. The loss has deeply affected the close-knit training school, where many international students, including Sukesh, were considered family.

Also Read: Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina Faces Shocking Crimes Against Humanity Charges in Bangladesh!