A tranquil Thursday afternoon at BJ Medical College’s residential hostel canteen was disrupted at 13:39 local time. At least 35 students, doctors, and family members were enjoying lunch amidst the usual chatter and camaraderie.
Then, the mundane was shattered. The sound of approaching jet engines was followed by a devastating explosion.
Moments earlier, Air India Flight AI171, a 787 Dreamliner en route to London with 242 passengers, had taken off from Ahmedabad airport, a mere 1.5km away. A catastrophic event occurred seconds after takeoff, prompting a mayday call before the plane crashed into the hostel, resulting in a massive fireball and a tragic loss of life.
The BBC, through interviews with eyewitnesses—students, colleagues, and family members—reconstructs the harrowing events. Nearby medical staff initially mistook the sound for lightning, only to discover the horrifying truth upon seeing the wreckage.
Brothers Prince and Krish Patni, nearby on bicycles, witnessed the impact, describing intense heat that initially prevented immediate access to the hostel. They, along with other volunteers, worked alongside police to clear debris and gain entry.
Inside the canteen, a scene of unimaginable devastation unfolded. The survivors, many with food in hand, were found in shock amidst the charred remains of the aircraft. A second-year student described the intense heat, smoke, and the struggle to escape through debris-blocked exits.
Eyewitnesses report the plane’s wing piercing the roof, with the most severe damage occurring at the point of impact. Students reportedly jumped from upper floors to escape the inferno.
The death toll remains unclear. Dr. Minakshi Parikh, dean of BJ Medical College, confirmed the deaths of four students and four relatives, but the exact number and identification of victims will require DNA analysis.
The tragedy extended beyond the immediate impact zone. Ravi Thakur, a hostel kitchen worker who had left to deliver lunches, returned to find his mother missing amidst the chaos.
At the hospital, professors grapple with the loss of their students. Meanwhile, the search continues for the missing and the injured remain under care. The full extent of this devastating tragedy is still unfolding.
The BBC is continuing to gather information and confirm identities of those lost. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
Families are grappling with the immense loss and support services are being offered to those affected.