London-Bound Air India Boeing 787 Crashes Into Medical College Hostel in Ahmedabad

A devastating tragedy struck Gujarat today as an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people on board, crashed into the MBBS hostel of B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff.

The flight, bound for London, had only just departed when it lost communication and issued a Mayday call. Within minutes, the aircraft came down over the Meghani Nagar area, directly hitting the hostel canteen during lunchtime — a time when dozens of medical students were inside.

Eyewitnesses described the horror as flames engulfed the building, and rescue workers rushed to the scene. Most passengers and hostel residents are feared dead. Officials say the death toll could cross 240, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s history.

The aircraft, heavily loaded with fuel for the long-haul flight, exploded on impact, causing a massive fire. Rescue operations by the NDRF and local fire brigade are ongoing, but chances of survivors are slim.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief, calling the incident "beyond heartbreaking," while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also extended condolences for the British nationals on board.

Boeing and DGCA have announced an immediate investigation.

Casualties & Victims

- The flight manifested 230 passengers (including 11 children and 2 infants) along with 12 crew members.

- Nationalities included 169 Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian.

- Authorities have recovered at least 204 bodies so far—comprising both those on board and on the ground—though no survivors are confirmed yet.

- At least five medical students died and around 40 others were injured when the aircraft hit the hostel canteen during rush hour lunch.

This incident stands as one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in over a decade, and crashes into the lives of young future doctors and international travellers. Recovery operations continue amid deep mourning.