Ahmedabad, June 13 — In a catastrophic aviation accident early Thursday morning, an Air India Dreamliner aircraft crashed into a college hostel building in Ahmedabad, leaving more than 240 people feared dead. The incident occurred when the aircraft, operating as Air India Flight AI-234, veered off course and collided with the boys’ hostel of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Technology in the Chandkheda area.
According to officials, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was en route from Delhi to Mumbai when it reportedly suffered a mid-air technical failure. The aircraft lost altitude rapidly and crashed into the hostel premises at approximately 4:50 AM, causing a massive explosion and widespread structural collapse.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by a blaze that engulfed the building. “We heard a huge explosion and saw flames rising from the building. It was horrifying,” said a local resident.
Rescue operations are ongoing. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority, and local fire brigades have been deployed. As of the latest update, more than 150 bodies have been recovered, while over 80 individuals are still unaccounted for. Most of the victims are believed to be students residing in the hostel, alongside the 128 passengers and 10 crew members onboard the aircraft.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik confirmed that the situation remains critical. “Rescue work is in full swing. Many students were asleep when the aircraft struck. The casualty numbers could rise,” he stated.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an immediate inquiry into the incident. Initial findings suggest a possible catastrophic engine failure, though the exact cause remains unclear. A special investigation team is being constituted to examine flight data and black box recordings.
Air India and aircraft manufacturer Boeing have both pledged full cooperation with the investigation. Civil Aviation Minister R.K. Singh expressed deep sorrow and said, “This is an unprecedented tragedy. The government will ensure that the families of the deceased are supported, and those responsible, if any, are held accountable.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing condolences, stated, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Gujarat and the entire nation stand united in grief.”
The Gujarat government has declared a three-day state mourning and announced that all schools and colleges will remain closed until further notice. Emergency helplines have been set up for families of the victims.
The incident has raised serious questions about aircraft maintenance, air traffic control response time, and aviation safety standards in the country. A detailed report is expected to be submitted to the Ministry of Civil Aviation in the coming days.
As the nation mourns this tragedy, efforts continue to identify the deceased and provide support to their families.
