In the aftermath of India’s deadliest air tragedy in a decade, the BJ Medical College campus in Ahmedabad remains engulfed in grief, silence, and destruction. As survivors slowly make their way back home or search for temporary shelter, others continue to wait in agony for news of their missing loved ones. With dining halls destroyed, hostels sealed, and academic schedules disrupted, the tragedy has left deep emotional and physical scars across the institution.
Campus scarred, exams postponed
The crash of Air India flight AI-171 struck directly into the heart of Gujarat’s oldest medical college on Thursday, tearing through buildings and engulfing the hostel dining area in flames. Wheels and debris from the aircraft pierced through walls, leaving behind destruction and the belongings of students scattered across the mess floor. Steel plates, clothes, and books lay untouched, frozen in time. Smoke stains blackened walls, shattered windows yawned open, and trees stood scorched. The hostel complex has been shut, with second-year exams postponed. Some students like Harsh Chotaliya have returned home, while others — like resident doctor Tarun, who survived by jumping from a balcony — scramble for temporary accommodation without essentials.
Assistant professor Piyush narrowly escaped the blaze by jumping over a boundary wall. Others weren’t so fortunate. Ravi Thakor, a mess worker, continues his search for his mother and young daughter who were inside the mess during the crash. “It’s been over 24 hours and I still don’t know what happened to them,” he said in anguish.
Students, staff continue support efforts
Senior medical students have been mobilized to assist in blood donation drives and DNA sample collection. Kishan Valaki, a second-year student, said their mess was completely destroyed, and many friends suffered injuries. Around 50 resident doctors lost their homes and belongings; several vehicles were burned in the fireball. They are now being accommodated in staff quarters and local clubs.
Among those lost was Aryan Rajput, a 22-year-old student from Gwalior, who had scored 700 in NEET and dreamt of becoming a doctor. Another student, 20-year-old Jaiprakash Choudhary from Rajasthan, died in the mess moments after telling his family he was heading to lunch. His cousin said he had just declined an invitation to step out for mangoes, a decision that proved tragically final.
