Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday praised Captain Smit Machchhar as a “true hero” for saving lives during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv despite sustaining serious injuries.In a post on X, Fadnavis said Machchhar displayed the presence of mind and courage while handling the difficult situation. “Despite being ghastly injured, the presence of mind and courage shown by Smit during the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv is exemplary,” the chief minister said.Fadnavis also praised the passengers for immediately working as a team to handle the situation and safely get through the crisis.He wished Machchhar a speedy recovery and good health, saying, “You are an inspiration. Maharashtra & India are proud of you.”BJP MLA Parag Shah, who is from Ghatkopar, where the pilot’s family lives, said Machchhar is being treated in Saudi Arabia and is out of danger.“Smit is also from the same school. He was junior to me. His parents are here. His parents flew to Dubai,” Shah said.The MLA said he had spoken to Machchhar’s uncle, who was too disturbed to interact with others and did not have all the details about the incident. “Senior officials from flydubai are with Smit, and they are updating the family on an hourly basis,” he said.
