Akash Patni, 15, was not inside the Air India jet or the hostel it hit. However, he tragically lost his life while sleeping under a tree near his family’s tea cart outside BJ Medical College hostel. On Friday, authorities confirmed his death, which added to the massive toll. His mother, Sita, ran from the scene but didn’t realize Akash hadn’t followed.
“She literally came out alive from the fireball but Akash wasn’t as lucky,” said his brother Kalpesh. “She has suffered burn injuries and is admitted at the Civil Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.”
Catastrophic Crash Kills Hundreds
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed just 33 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon. As a result, it slammed into the BJ Medical College hostel. According to Air India, 241 of the 242 people on board died. By Friday night, the confirmed death toll stood near 250.
Moreover, thick black smoke covered the crash area located 3 km from the airport. The plane still had its landing gear extended and was descending slowly when it exploded on impact. It carried around 125,000 litres of fuel.
Emergency Teams Face Horror
Forensic experts and police searched through wreckage and burnt debris. “The death toll based on the bodies recovered so far would be between 265 and 270,” said Kanan Desai, deputy commissioner of police.
Additionally, the state government said they had identified eight bodies and handed them over to families. These included four medical students, two of their relatives, and two others.
Several Still Missing
“Four doctors and two of their family members have died in the crash. Around six to seven staff members from the hostel mess are also missing,” said Dr Meenakshi Parikh, dean of BJ Medical College.
Officials confirmed that at least two mess workers had died. Furthermore, they reported that three people from nearby slums were missing but gave no further details.
Grief Among Families
Ravi Thakor, who worked at the hostel mess, is still searching for his mother and daughter. “At the time of the crash, my mother Sarla and daughter Aadya were in the mess. It has been 24 hours but I have not got any clue about what has happened to them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Akash’s family described how the crash affected them. Kalpesh, his brother, said they had run the tea cart for 30 years. “At the time of the incident, it was business as usual for my mother and brother,” he recalled.
Witnesses Recall Impact
Sahana Ren, a cook at the hostel mess, shared her traumatic experience. “I was on the second floor when the plane hit,” she told Hindustan Times. “The roof began collapsing immediately under the enormous weight of the aircraft. Within moments, everything went dark as smoke filled the air.”
Additionally, she said, “I know a woman and her grandmother missing since the crash. I have not been able to find my sister-in-law also.”
Massive Search and DNA Effort Underway
According to the government, around 219 families have come forward for DNA testing. “Their samples have been collected, and the remaining families are being contacted for the same,” said the statement. Ten teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory, including 36 experts, are working “around the clock (24×7)” on identification.
Injured Treated at Civil Hospital
Around 50 injured people were taken to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital after the crash. “Of these, 16 are being treated as outpatients, while 31 are receiving treatment as inpatients,” the government stated. By Friday evening, about 12 injured individuals were expected to be discharged.
Dr. Rakesh Joshi, superintendent of the Civil Hospital, declined to comment on victims’ identities. Officials said final numbers would be released only after the DNA matches are complete, possibly after 72 hours.
Eyewitness Sees Plane Explode
Rajeshbhai Patni, a 47-year-old auto-rickshaw driver, was near the hostel during the crash. “I saw the plane exploding when it hit the roof. I saw red and black flames emerging from the building.” Additionally he said, “I left my auto rickshaw and ran for my life.” He is being treated for chest and leg injuries at the Civil Hospital.