A Student Narrowly Escapes As Air India Plane Crashes At BJ Hostel In Meghani Nagar

A student had a narrow escape as an Air India flight crashed on the BJ Medical College UG hostel mess on Thursday afternoon in Meghani Nagar in Ahmedabad.

The mother of the person told PTI that her son had gone on his lunch break and is safe. As per the reports, at least 30 students have been injured in the incident.

"My son had gone to the hostel during lunch break, and the plane crashed there. My son is safe, and I have spoken to him. He jumped from the second floor, so he suffered some injuries," says Ramila, who reached the civil hospital in Ahmedabad.

Soon after taking off, the Air India flight bound for London's Gatwick airport crashed into the doctors' hostel. The flight was carrying 242 people, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members.

Out of 242 passengers, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The London-bound flight was operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANB).

In his first reaction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the tragedy has "stunned and saddened" him. In a post on X, he said, "It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.

Expressing grief over the tragedy, President Draupadi Murmu said, "I am deeply distressed to learn about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. It is a heart-rending disaster. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief."

While the authorities are yet to give an update on the casualties, the injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. Minister of State (MoS) for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol has said that it will take time to confirm about the casualties.

Speaking to media, he said, "Air India's flight AI171 crashed this afternoon with a total of 242 people on board. Rescue operations are currently underway. We have held an emergency meeting. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are on their way to Ahmedabad. I am also heading to the crash site. It will take some time before we can confirm the exact number of casualties."