An Air India plane crashed into the mess hall of BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad, resulting in multiple fatalities. Students were seen jumping from balconies to escape. Videos of the incident have gone viral.
Ahmedabad: A major plane crash occurred in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Thursday. An Air India flight crashed into the mess hall of BJ Medical College shortly after takeoff. MBBS students were having lunch in the mess at the time of the accident. The incident resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries. Videos of the event, showing people jumping from balconies to save themselves, have gone viral.
Crash Immediately After Takeoff
According to reports, Air India flight AI 171 took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Shortly after takeoff, the plane lost control and crashed directly into the BJ Medical College mess hall building. While the aircraft had a limited number of passengers and crew, a large number of students and staff on the ground were affected.
Lunch in Progress, Panic Ensues
Dozens of students were present in the medical college mess hall at the time of the accident. A loud explosion occurred upon impact. Several sections of the building were damaged, and a fire broke out. Smoke filled the air, and people screamed and ran for safety.
Students Seen Jumping from Balconies
A video that went viral after the accident shows medical students jumping from balconies. Some escaped through windows, while others were trapped in the debris. Fire brigade and NDRF teams immediately arrived on the scene and launched a rescue operation.
Administration Arrives at the Scene, Orders Investigation
The Chief Minister and district administration have ordered a high-level investigation into the accident. Teams from the DGCA and Air India have also launched investigations. Preliminary reports suggest the possibility of a technical malfunction.
The Gujarat government has announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for the families of those killed and ₹1 lakh for the injured. The state government will also bear the entire cost of treatment for those seriously injured.
What the Viral Video Showed
The video footage shows students escaping through balconies and windows. Some are seen trapped amidst flames and smoke. This video is rapidly spreading on social media, causing widespread outrage and concern.
Pilot and Technical Information Under Investigation
Air India has not yet released a detailed statement regarding the pilot, route, and technical report of flight AI 171. The DGCA's technical team is reviewing the black box and control room communications.
A medical student present at the scene stated, “We were having lunch in the mess when suddenly there was a loud bang. Everything shook. People started jumping from the balconies, some hid under the tables. When we got out, there was nothing but smoke and debris.”
