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

Published

6 months ago

June 12, 2025

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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

Michael Gomes

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.

Business

UAE warns public as two unlicensed investment firms flagged by regulator

Published

3 days ago

December 12, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has issued a fresh investor alert, warning the public about two companies operating without the required licences.

In a statement on Friday, December 12, the authority identified XC Market Limited and XCE Commercial Brokers LLC as unlicensed entities, noting that both firms are conducting financial activities without SCA approval.

The regulator stressed that the companies are not authorised to carry out regulated investment services or offer any related financial products in the UAE. It also clarified that it bears no responsibility for any transactions conducted with the firms.

The warning follows a series of recent alerts as part of the SCA’s ongoing push to combat fraudulent operators. Earlier this month, the authority cautioned investors about Global Capital Securities Trading, which was posing as a licensed trading firm. On December 3, it also flagged an entity calling itself the Gulf Higher Authority for Financial Conduct, which was found using a misleading website and falsely claiming regulatory status.

The SCA reiterated that investors should verify the licensing status of any company before engaging in financial dealings, as the regulator continues monitoring for unlicensed operators and cloned platforms targeting the UAE market.

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UAE announces January 1, 2026, as official New Year holiday for private sector

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3 days ago

December 12, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Private-sector employees across the UAE will enjoy a long weekend to ring in 2026, with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) confirming that Thursday, 1 January 2026, will be an official paid holiday.

The announcement comes in line with the UAE Cabinet’s approved list of public holidays for both government and private-sector workers.

Since New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, private-sector offices will resume work on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Public sector schedule

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has also confirmed the holiday for federal government employees. Federal ministries and entities will be closed on Thursday, with Friday, January 2, 2026, designated as a remote-work day, except for roles that require on-site presence.

Sharjah authorities have also announced the New Year holiday in line with the national schedule.

The unified holiday ensures residents across the UAE can welcome the new year with a mid-week break and extended family time.

News

UAE traffic alert: Plan your journey as diversions announced on Emirates Road

Published

4 days ago

December 11, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has announced a temporary traffic diversion on Emirates Road beginning Thursday, December 11, as part of ongoing development works aimed at improving road efficiency and easing traffic flow in the area.

As part of the plan, the slip road for motorists travelling from Ras Al Khaimah towards Al Dhaid at Interchange No. 7 will be closed for the duration of the project. Traffic will instead be redirected to alternative routes to support smoother vehicle movement and ensure road user safety.

Drivers are advised to use Interchange No. 6 and the new Khorfakkan Road tunnel as substitutes during the closure.

The ministry thanked the public for their cooperation and emphasised the importance of following traffic instructions, adhering to directional signs installed at the site, and maintaining safe driving throughout the diversion period.