The Junior Doctors Association urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation about exaggerated death tolls involving students and medical staff.
Published Jun 15, 2025 | 2:14 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 15, 2025 | 3:11 PM
Four BJ Medical College students lost their lives following the plane crash.
Synopsis: The Junior Doctors’ Association at BJ Medical College said four MBBS students who were having lunch in the college mess lost their lives after the Air India plane crashed there.
In the aftermath of the tragic Air India flight crash that devastated parts of the BJ Medical College campus in Ahmedabad in Gujarat, the Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA) there on Sunday, 15 June, confirmed the deaths of four MBBS students who were having lunch in the college mess during the mishap.
The deceased students have been identified as Jayprakash Chaudhary (MBBS 2023), Manav Bhadu (MBBS 2024), Aryan Rajput (MBBS 2024) and Rakesh Dihora (MBBS 2023).
In an official statement, the JDA clarified that out of 20 MBBS students injured in the incident, 11 have been discharged in stable condition. Additionally, four family members of super-speciality resident doctors who were staying in the adjacent “Atulyam” hostel building also died. The wife of one resident doctor remains hospitalised with injuries but is reported to be stable.
The association urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation about exaggerated death tolls involving students and medical staff.
“In these challenging times, some individuals are spreading rumours suggesting a high death toll among medical college students and resident doctors. We appeal to everyone not to be misled by such misinformation and to refrain from spreading rumours further,” the JDA said.
Meanwhile, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Gujarat wrote to the Tata Group, requesting extended support for the medical students affected by the tragedy.
While expressing appreciation for Air India’s announced compensation of ₹1 crore for each deceased passenger and its commitment to rebuild the BJMC hostel, the IMA called for similar assistance for the deceased and injured students.
“These individuals were not only victims but also future pillars of our healthcare system. Their well-being and families deserve similar care and support,” the IMA said in its appeal.
Flight AI-171, a London-bound Boeing 787 aircraft, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, plummeting into the BJ Medical College hostel and canteen complex. Of the 242 people onboard, 241 have been confirmed dead, with only one survivor — a British national of Indian origin — currently under treatment.
The aircraft exploded on impact, destroying several hostel buildings — Atulyam 1, 2, 3 and 4 — where MBBS students, interns, and super speciality residents lived with their families. Students who survived have lost their belongings, documents and homes.
Minakshi Parikh, dean of BJ Medical College, told reporters that the four damaged hostel buildings are being evacuated. “Students from all blocks are being shifted to alternative accommodations, including PG hostels, UN Mehta Institute’s facilities, dental staff quarters and rented housing,” she said, adding that 33 postgraduate students have already been relocated.
“Around 270 bodies have been brought to the civil hospital so far,” said Dr Dhaval Gameti, President of the Junior Doctors’ Association. The Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services continue to recover remains from the site. DNA identification is underway to match victims to their families.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Health Minister Rishikesh Patel said that the body of former chief minister Vijay Rupani has been identified through DNA matching. “The body has been identified, and we are coordinating with the family to transport his mortal remains to Rajkot.”
As rescue operations continue, authorities have cordoned off the area to allow the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to begin a formal probe into the crash under ICAO protocols. So far, the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital has identified 31 victims through DNA testing and handed over one body to relatives.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
