Ahmedabad Plane Crash Claims Dozens; CM Bhupendra Patel Meets Victims, Medical Students Among the Dead

Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 — A London-bound Air India flight with 242 people onboard crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Wednesday, colliding into the doctors’ hostel mess at B.J. Medical College. The accident left at least 30 dead and many others injured, including passengers and resident medical students who were present at the hostel during lunchtime.

The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI171, lost altitude within minutes of departure before crashing into the western wing of the college premises. The force of the impact destroyed a large section of the building, including the mess hall where many students had gathered. The crash also ignited a fire, further complicating rescue efforts.

Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire brigade, and civil authorities responded swiftly. Many victims were trapped under debris, while others were evacuated with injuries ranging from minor to critical. The rescue operation continued for hours as emergency teams battled flames and unstable structures.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad later in the evening to meet with survivors, including medical students and passengers undergoing treatment. Patel also reviewed the rescue and medical response, and assured all necessary government support. “The incident is extremely tragic. We stand with the families of the deceased and the injured. The government will ensure full support and rehabilitation,” he said.

Among the deceased were several medical residents of B.J. Medical College, one of Gujarat’s leading government medical institutions. Many of them were having lunch when the aircraft crashed into the mess hall. Hospital sources confirmed that some of the injured students, despite suffering shock and minor injuries, assisted emergency teams and tended to other victims.

The broader medical community expressed grief over the loss. The college has suspended classes and declared a mourning period. Psychological counseling has also been made available to students and staff affected by the tragedy.

Onboard the aircraft were passengers of diverse nationalities, including at least one Canadian citizen. Authorities are working to confirm identities and inform families. The Ministry of Civil Aviation, along with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), has begun a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash. Black box recovery is underway to analyze flight data and cockpit recordings.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families affected, calling the incident “a profound national tragedy.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu have also been briefed and are closely monitoring developments.

As rescue efforts draw to a close, the city of Ahmedabad mourns a disaster that struck not just the skies, but the heart of a medical campus dedicated to saving lives.