Daijiworld Media Network – Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Jun 16: Following the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash on June 12, which claimed the lives of at least four students and severely damaged BJ Medical College’s hostel and mess buildings, dean Dr Minakshi Parekh has shared insights into the situation on the ground, relief efforts, and the emotional impact on students and families.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner had hit hostel buildings and dining halls of the college, leaving four hostel blocks charred and two mess structures partially collapsed.
“All affected students have been accommodated. Food is now being served at the postgraduate mess, while resident doctors have been shifted to vacant flats and spaces offered by groups like the Lions Club,” said Dr Parekh. She added that NGOs and private hospitals have offered free treatment to injured students and that medical students themselves are counselling families and assisting with blood sample collection.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has set up operational offices within the hospital complex and hostels for easy access to the crash site. “Every agency has stepped in with support. Even embassy officials and visiting authorities are staying in our rooms,” said Dr Parekh.
She recounted heartbreaking moments, including a grieving man desperate to see his deceased family members in the post-mortem room. “It was the most difficult situation. We had to balance empathy and protocol,” she said.
Trained counsellors have been stationed at key points blood sample collection centres, the superintendent’s control room, and post-mortem areas. “Our MD psychiatrists are also conducting live sessions with affected families,” she said, pointing to ongoing counselling seen on CCTV feeds.
DNA samples are being collected on-site from families, with testing handled by the Forensic Science Laboratory under the National Forensic Science University. The FSL team is working round-the-clock to match samples and relay results to families via Civil Hospital officials. Three families from abroad are expected to arrive on Tuesday to collect results.
Dr Parekh confirmed the government is managing public communication and official data releases.