Tragedy Strikes: The Heartbreaking Aftermath of the Ahmedabad Plane Crash
A Day of Mourning at BJ Medical College
Ahmedabad is enveloped in sorrow as the BJ Medical College and Hospital reflects on a tragic anniversary. Just a year ago, the institution celebrated its foundation day, but this year, the atmosphere is filled with grief as families await the identification of their loved ones lost in a devastating plane crash.
The 146th foundation day of BJMC, one of India's oldest medical colleges, is marked by the memory of the June 12 disaster that claimed 241 lives on the flight and 29 on the ground, including five MBBS students.
As families anxiously wait for DNA results to claim the remains of their relatives, the campus bears the scars of the tragedy, with soot still visible on the buildings.
On June 16 last year, students and alumni had joyfully celebrated their college's birthday on social media, but now the campus is filled with despair as survivors and families grapple with the aftermath of the crash.
The ill-fated flight AI171, a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, crashing into the medical college grounds and igniting a fire.
So far, 99 victims have been identified through DNA matching, and 64 bodies, including that of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, have been returned to their families, according to officials.
Many medical students were having lunch in the hostel mess when the aircraft's tail struck, transforming a routine meal into a scene of horror.
The haunting images of the plane's tail lodged against the hostel mess roof and debris scattered across the campus continue to affect those who witnessed the tragedy.
Arun Prashant, a second-year MD student from Chennai, recounted the terrifying moment he jumped from the first floor to escape the chaos. He described hearing a loud explosion and seeing smoke engulfing the area.
Founded in 1871 as the Ahmedabad Medical School, BJMC has been a pillar of medical education. Initially affiliated with Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, it started with just 14 students training as hospital assistants.
In 1879, a significant donation from Sir Byramjee Jeejeebhoy led to the school's renaming. Over the years, it expanded its affiliations and became known as B J Medical College, offering diplomas in medical sciences.
Today, the college boasts several large buildings, including a main block constructed post-Independence, and continues to train 250 students annually through a national entrance examination.
Despite the tragedy, the dedicated doctors of BJMC remain committed to serving the injured and needy, honoring their oath to care for others.
While June 16 is a historic day for the institute, June 12 will now be a date marked by sorrow, forever etched in the memories of those connected to the college.