Air India plane tears through medical students’ hostel

A routine lunch hour at BJ Medical College turned to horror when the Air India flight crashed into its hostel shortly after takeoff. The impact killed five young medical students — four undergraduates and a postgraduate resident — while leaving over 50 others, including students and mess staff, with critical injuries.

According to the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA), the aircraft struck during lunchtime, when a number of students were present in the hostel mess. Chilling photographs from the scene captured half-eaten meals and overturned utensils on tables, the wreckage of the plane protruding from the second floor. Nearby, flames engulfed parked cars and motorcycles, adding to the chaos.

Ramila, a parent who rushed to the hospital, said, “My son jumped from the second floor to escape. He survived, but sustained injuries.

In an official statement, the Junior Doctors’ Association said, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to all individuals and families affected. In such unfortunate times, every family and individual deserves privacy, sensitivity and respectful support.”

With smoke still curling from the ruins, doctors worked frantically to treat survivors suffering from burns and blunt-force trauma. Hospitals issued urgent appeals for blood donations as officials warned the death toll might climb.

Authorities have begun the grim task of identifying victims through DNA analysis, requesting family members of passengers to submit samples at the college.