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Air India crash: London-bound flight crashed into doctors hostel, several students and medical staff among casualties

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An Air India flight bound for London crashed into a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff on Thursday afternoon, killing and injuring several people both on board and on the ground. The flight, AI-171, slammed into the hostel mess building of BJ Medical College, where dozens of medical students were reportedly having lunch.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner had taken off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at about 1:38pm local time with 242 people onboard, including 169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Contact with the aircraft was lost less than a minute after takeoff.

Medical Students Caught in the Impact

The crash has had a devastating effect on the medical students and doctors’ hostel, with eyewitnesses confirming that a huge part of the aircraft struck the dining facility directly.

“I was having lunch when the plane crashed into the building next to mine,” said Harshit, a medical student at BJ Medical College. 

“My friend was inside and is now in the hospital. That building was where many of our resident doctors lived.”

Outside a hospital in Ahmedabad, Ramilaben, the mother of one of the students, shared her harrowing experience:

“My son had gone to the hostel during lunch break, and the plane crashed there. My son is safe, and I have spoken to him. He jumped from the second floor, so he suffered some injuries,” she told ANI.

Widespread Casualties Feared

The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) released visuals of the crash site showing large portions of the aircraft lodged in the hostel building. Dr Akshay Dongardhive of FAIMA estimated that 20–30 students may have been injured, though official casualty figures are yet to be confirmed.

Local reports suggest that some doctors may also be among the victims. Rescue operations are underway with emergency crews continuing to search through the debris.

Emergency Response and Flight Details

Air India has established an emergency response centre and activated a family assistance team. The airline called the crash a “tragic accident.”

Ahmedabad airport authorities have suspended all operations until further notice. The Chief Minister of Gujarat has ordered emergency services to operate on a “war footing.”

Some details we can share:

  • Flight: Air India AI-171
  • Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
  • Takeoff: About 1:38pm IST from Ahmedabad
  • Destination: London Gatwick
  • Crash Site: BJ Medical College Hostel, Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad
  • Passengers/Crew: 242 onboard
  • Nationalities: 169 Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Dh1,000 fine and 4 black points: Dubai Police issue warning on sudden swerving

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Dubai Police have issued a renewed and stern warning to motorists regarding the dangers of sudden swerving, labelling the manoeuvre as a primary catalyst for fatalities and severe collisions on the emirate’s high-speed roads.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs, highlighted that while missing an exit or attempting a quick overtake may seem minor, the resulting “side-impact collisions, loss of vehicle control, and rollovers” are often life-altering.

The split-second danger

Recent monitoring by Dubai Police has recorded a surge in incidents where drivers changed lanes without indicators or ensured the road was clear. On high-speed corridors, these actions leave zero reaction time for surrounding motorists.

“Arriving late is far better than not arriving at all,” said Major General Al Mazrouei. “Missing an exit never justifies putting lives at risk. We urge the public to remain calm, use indicators correctly, and avoid impulsive decisions behind the wheel.”

The cost of a sudden turn

To deter risky behaviour, Dubai Police reminded the public of the strict penalties under Article 29 of the Federal Traffic Law. Motorists caught swerving suddenly face:

  • A Dh1,000 fine.
  • Four black points added to their traffic file.

Community vigilance: We are all police

Road safety is a shared responsibility. The public is encouraged to report dangerous driving behaviour via the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police smart app or by using the “We Are All Police” service by calling 901.

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Middle East

The Philippines guarantees unemployment cash benefits for Middle East overseas workers amid regional crisis

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As a 14-day ceasefire brings a temporary lull to regional conflict, the Social Security System (SSS) of the Philippines has issued a major reassurance to its 540,000+ active paying OFW members across the Middle East. SSS President Robert Joseph de Claro confirmed today that digital infrastructure remains fully operational, ensuring that displaced workers can access critical “Unemployment Benefits” and pension services regardless of the security situation on the ground.

Who qualifies?

With over 4,300 Filipinos already repatriated as of April 6, the SSS “Unemployment Benefit” serves as a vital bridge for those involuntarily separated from their jobs. To qualify, OFW members must meet the following:

  • Age: 60 years old or below.
  • Contributions: At least 36 monthly contributions, with 12 months paid within the 18 months immediately preceding the job loss.
  • Certification: Involuntary separation must be certified by the DMW (formerly POEA).
  • Timeline: Applications must be submitted via the My.SSS portal within one year of separation.

Recognising the difficulty of physical travel during the current conflict, SSS has launched a breakthrough Facial Authentication with Liveness Check for its pensioners. This allows retirees in the Middle East to complete their Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) via smartphone, eliminating the need to visit embassies or consulates.

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Heading to Abu Dhabi this weekend? What motorists need to know about road closures 

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Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced a series of temporary traffic modifications and partial road closures affecting major arteries in the capital starting today, Friday, April 10, through Monday, April 13, 2026.

The scheduled works will impact Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20), key routes connecting Khalifa City and Zayed City. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and plan for potential delays.

The closure schedule:

To minimise weekday disruption, the closures are concentrated over the weekend:

  • Friday, April 10 (2pm – Monday, April 13 (5am): The right lane on Al Fursan Street heading towards Abu Dhabi will be closed. Traffic flow will be maintained on the remaining open lanes.
  • Saturday, April 11 (12am) – Sunday, April 12 (11pm): A full closure of entry and exit points on Al Fursan Street will be in effect.

Guidance for motorists

Abu Dhabi Mobility has implemented a comprehensive traffic management plan. While diversions will be clearly marked with directional signage, authorities recommend the following:

  • Plan in advance: Use navigation apps to check for real-time congestion before departing.
  • Alternative routes: Utilise surrounding roads, including the main Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20) corridor, to bypass the affected zones.
  • Safety first: Adhere to posted speed limits within diversion zones to ensure the safety of road crews and fellow drivers.

These measures are part of ongoing scheduled works designed to improve the capital’s infrastructure and long-term traffic efficiency.

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