Ahmedabad – A devastating aviation disaster unfolded on Thursday as an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London, crashed just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport, Gujarat. The flight, carrying 242 passengers, plunged into a hostel building associated with BJ Medical College, located in the city’s Meghani Nagar area.
The aircraft reportedly struck the undergraduate mess area of the college hostel, which was housing numerous MBBS students at the time. While exact casualty figures remain unclear, many students are feared to have died or sustained serious injuries in the impact.
According to preliminary information, the crash occurred only two minutes into the flight. Eyewitness videos shared on social media show towering black smoke and wreckage, with emergency personnel conducting intense rescue efforts on-site. Fire tenders and ambulances arrived swiftly as officials evacuated the injured and tried to contain the blaze.
The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) reacted with shock, stating on X (formerly Twitter): “We are deeply shocked about the crash in Ahmedabad. The situation worsened upon learning that the aircraft struck BJMC Hostel, injuring many MBBS students. We’re closely monitoring and ready to help.”
Adding to the gravity, unverified reports suggest that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani may have been onboard the ill-fated flight, though no official confirmation has been issued.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow: “The tragedy in Ahmedabad is heartbreaking beyond words. My thoughts are with those affected. Authorities are actively involved in rescue and relief operations.”
Read Also: