A Year After AI-171 Crash, Gujarat Govt To Rebuild BJ Medical Hostel Damaged In Tragedy: What We Know

Last Updated:May 27, 2026, 14:07 IST

Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said that the government would construct a new ultra-modern hostel facility at the same location at an estimated cost of Rs 105 crore.

The Gujarat government has announced plans to rebuild the hostel complex of BJ Medical College that was badly damaged in last year’s AI-171 Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.

At the same time, families of some victims have demanded that the site be preserved as a memorial to remember those who died in the tragedy.

Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said that the government would construct a new ultra-modern hostel facility at the same location at an estimated cost of Rs 105 crore.

AI-171 crash

Air India Flight AI-171 crash took place on June 12, 2025, at around 1:39 pm when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into the hostel premises during lunchtime.

The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, had been travelling from Ahmedabad to London. The plane crashed into the dining hall and mess area of the undergraduate hostel where students were having lunch.

The impact caused severe destruction across the hostel compound. According to details from the incident, four out of six damaged buildings were hostel blocks. The roof of the dining facility collapsed and large sections of the compound were destroyed in the crash.

Students and doctors among victims

The tragedy led to major casualties both onboard the aircraft and on the ground.

Four MBBS students were killed in the hostel complex while 19 others suffered injuries, including five who were seriously hurt. Several people were initially reported missing after the crash.

Overall, the disaster claimed 274 lives, including passengers, crew members, doctors and relatives present at the site.

Officials said the rebuilt hostel complex would have three times the earlier accommodation capacity. Construction work is expected to begin within the next three months.

Students who survived the crash later described scenes of panic and confusion immediately after the aircraft hit the building. Some students reportedly believed Pakistan had launched a missile attack or that an earthquake had struck because of the loud explosion and collapsing walls.

Witnesses said parts of the aircraft, including the tail cone, became lodged near the upper section of the damaged building. The crash left behind massive destruction inside the hostel premises and surrounding areas.

Investigation into crash continues

Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the AI-171 crash.

Officials suspect the aircraft may have suffered a double engine failure shortly after take-off.

According to investigators, the pilot’s final communication included the words “thrust not achieved" before issuing a Mayday distress call. The findings of the investigation are still awaited.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat government’s decision to rebuild the hostel at the same site has reopened emotional discussions around how the location should be remembered, with some families seeking a memorial for the victims who lost their lives in one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters.

News india A Year After AI-171 Crash, Gujarat Govt To Rebuild BJ Medical Hostel Damaged In Tragedy: What We Know

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