Ahmedabad, India — A tragic plane crash involving an Air India flight occurred Thursday, sending shockwaves through the local community after the aircraft pounded into a hostel mess at the BJ Medical College in Meghani Nagar. Reports indicate that numerous students were injured in the incident, raising concerns over their safety and well-being.
The flight, designated AI171 and destined for London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport. Witness accounts suggest that panic ensued as the aircraft struck the hostel area, leaving students fearing for their lives. The FAIMA Doctors Association expressed their sorrow over the event, noting the dire situation as they monitored developments closely.
Authorities confirmed that many students sustained injuries and were subsequently transported to Civil Hospital Ahmedabad for treatment. Initial reports suggest that the number of injuries could be between 20 to 30. “A tragic incident occurred at the BJMC UG hostel mess, where an aircraft crashed, resulting in multiple student injuries and admissions,” FAIMA stated. However, they cautioned that there has been no official word on fatalities or missing persons.
Local residents have shared harrowing stories about the crash. One mother recounted her relief that her son was safe after he leapt from the second floor during the chaos. “He jumped from the second floor, so he suffered some injuries,” she stated, highlighting the fear that gripped the hostel at the time of the crash.
In response to the incident, three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 90 personnel, have been dispatched from Gandhinagar to assist in the rescue operations. Moreover, additional teams from Vadodara are also being mobilized to the site.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, indicating how deeply this event has impacted the nation. “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words,” he wrote in a statement, emphasizing that he is in communication with local officials to ensure affected families receive assistance.
President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her sympathies regarding the crash, calling it a “heart-rending disaster.” In her statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan, she extended her thoughts and prayers to those affected, reinforcing the nation’s collective mourning during this tragic time.
As investigations into the cause of the accident continue, the community remains on high alert as officials work to provide support and gather further information. The implications of this crash will likely resonate well beyond the immediate vicinity, as families await news of their loved ones and the government evaluates safety protocols for future flights.