💔 Tragedy Strikes BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad
In one of Air India crash’s worst aviation disasters in recent memory, an Air India 787 Dreamliner (Flight AI171) crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, plummeting into the hostel canteen of BJ Medical College. The terrifying incident occurred at 13:39 local time, during peak lunch hour, leaving a trail of death, destruction, and disbelief.
The plane, bound for London and carrying 242 passengers, experienced trouble within seconds of takeoff and issued a mayday call before crashing into the doctors’ mess hall, just 1.5km from the airport. Only one person on board reportedly survived, while casualties on the ground continue to rise.
🕰️ The Final Moments Before Impact
As recounted by survivors and medical staff, the hostel canteen was bustling with at least 35 students, doctors, and relatives. Some were in line, others seated with plates full of food. In a split second, their lives changed forever.
“The sound of the jet came first, then a loud bang and an explosion. Everything turned into dust and fire,” said a second-year medical student who survived but sustained chest injuries.
🔥 Fire, Panic, and Heroic Rescue
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and smoke. Medical students jumped from second and third floors as one of the staircases was blocked by debris. Rescuers, including brothers Prince and Krish Patni, who were biking nearby, rushed to help but were held back by the intense heat.
“We tried to get in, but the heat was unbearable. When we finally entered, we saw people still clutching food, plates in hand. Many were badly injured but silent—frozen in shock,” said Krish.
📷 Before and After: A Mess Hall Turned Into Wreckage
The mess hall where laughter and conversations once echoed now lies in ruins. Images captured before the crash show smiling students posing for group photos. Post-crash photos reveal the same space—charred, destroyed, and cloaked in dust.
Dr Kevin Prajapati, a teacher at the college, shared: “These were our students. I taught them. I knew them personally. Some we’re still treating in the hospital, but many are gone.”
👥 Searching for the Missing
Ravi Thakur, a hostel kitchen worker, was out delivering lunch boxes when the crash occurred. His mother remained at the hostel. When he returned, all he found was smoke, sirens, and confusion. He’s still searching for her among the wreckage, even as hopes fade.
“There are people still unaccounted for. It may take days for DNA tests to confirm identities,” said Dr Minakshi Parikh, dean of BJ Medical College.
📊 Casualties and Investigation Underway
Initial reports confirm the deaths of at least four medical students and four of their family members, though the final toll may rise. Forensic teams are on-site, and India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal investigation into the cause of the crash.
Air India has promised full cooperation, and families of passengers and ground victims are being contacted for DNA sample collection and support services.
📣 Public and Government Reaction
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted condolences and promised full government support to the families affected. The aviation minister called the crash “a national tragedy” and assured the public that safety audits across airports would be intensified.
📰 Related Coverage on The Morning News Informer
🔚 Conclusion: A City in Mourning
Ahmedabad is reeling from a catastrophe no one saw coming. Families have lost children, friends have lost roommates, and India has lost bright young medical minds who were simply having lunch.
While the investigation will uncover what went wrong with Flight AI171, the human cost of this disaster is already painfully clear—and unforgettable.
