Death Toll in Air India Crash Revised to 290 – Medical Students Among Victims as Plane Slams Into College Hostel
A devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, has claimed 290 lives, including doctors and medical students, after the aircraft crashed into a hostel building at BJ Medical College during lunch hour.
What Happened?
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, Flight AI171, was en route to London Gatwick when tragedy struck just minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, lost altitude and slammed into the medical college’s hostel dining area, instantly erupting into a massive fireball.
“Only one person survived out of 242 on board,” confirmed rescue officials. The sole survivor, a British national seated near an emergency exit, miraculously escaped with serious injuries.
Doctors, Students Among Ground Casualties
The death toll includes 49 people on the ground, among them five medical students, hospital staff, and two more individuals still reported missing. Over 20 people were seriously injured, five of them critically, as the plane’s tail tore through the building and landed inside the hostel structure.
“The impact occurred right at lunchtime. There were untouched meals, shattered walls, and chaos everywhere,” said Dr. Minakshi Parikh, Dean of BJ Medical College.
Many of the deceased were young students in training to become doctors — a loss that has deeply shaken the city’s medical community.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have retrieved both black boxes, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation. Preliminary theories point to a possible engine failure or bird strike soon after takeoff, but nothing has been confirmed.
“We are analyzing black box data. DNA tests are ongoing to identify remains,” said DGCA spokesperson Ankit Sharma.
The initial death toll was slightly higher but later revised to 290 after identifying double-counted remains during the chaotic early rescue stages.
A City in Mourning
Ahmedabad is in deep mourning. Vigils are being held across hospitals and medical colleges. The government has announced state-wide flags at half-mast, and a national moment of silence has been scheduled.
“It’s a black day for India. We lost some of our brightest young minds,” said Gujarat’s Chief Minister.
Air India has yet to make a full public statement, but sources say they are working closely with British aviation authorities due to the international route.