Five medical students — four undergraduates and one postgraduate — died and several others were injured after an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into the BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff. The London-bound flight, carrying 242 people, took off at 1:38 pm but failed to gain lift at just 825 feet. The crash occurred during lunchtime, with visuals showing abandoned food plates in the hostel canteen near the damaged site.
According to a senior officer from the Ahmedabad Police, the crash involved a Boeing aircraft carrying a total of 242 people, which included 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Preliminary findings indicate that the plane struck a building that serves as residential quarters for medical professionals. The impact of the crash caused significant damage to the structure and created widespread panic in the surrounding locality.
Emergency teams were quick to respond, with officials reaching the site within minutes of the incident. The senior police officer reported that approximately 70 to 80 per cent of the affected area has already been cleared as part of the ongoing rescue and recovery operations. He also made a public appeal, urging residents and commuters to cooperate with the authorities so that a green corridor can be maintained to facilitate the movement of ambulances and emergency services to and from hospitals.
To bolster the rescue efforts, the Gujarat government has deployed three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising around 90 personnel, from Gandhinagar to the crash site. These teams are working alongside local emergency services, fire brigade units, and police personnel to assist in managing the aftermath of the accident and to search for survivors.
Also Read: Plane with 242 on board crashes in Ahmedabad
In light of the crash, the Ahmedabad City Police has issued an emergency helpline for citizens seeking information or assistance. The designated emergency number, 07925620359, is intended to provide critical support for those affected by the incident and to address public concerns.
As a direct consequence of the crash, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has temporarily suspended all flight operations. An airport spokesperson confirmed that the facility is currently not operational and will remain closed until further notice. Authorities have emphasised the importance of keeping the airspace and runway clear to allow for the ongoing emergency and investigative procedures.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft crashed in the Meghani Nagar area shortly after takeoff and reiterated that the total number of individuals on board was 242. The cause of the crash is yet to be determined, and officials are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to understand the circumstances leading up to the tragic event. Rescue teams continue to work tirelessly at the site as the nation waits for further updates.
Also Read: London-bound Air India flight crashes after takeoff: What we know
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