“I Thought It Was an Explosion”: BJ Medical College Student Recounts Harrowing Escape from Air India Crash
Ahmedabad, July 7, 2025 —
In one of the most terrifying survivor accounts to emerge from the Air India Flight AI-171 tragedy, a student from BJ Medical College has described the moment chaos erupted on campus as the aircraft crashed directly into the college building.
The student, still visibly shaken, recounted the events with trembling hands:
“Around 1:30 PM, we had gone to the fifth floor mess for lunch. Suddenly, there was a deafening sound — like an explosion. Thick black smoke filled the corridor, and people screamed. We ran without thinking. I jumped from the first floor to save myself.”
According to his account, there were 20 to 30 students present at the time of the crash. Most were unaware of what had occurred until they reached safety outside the building.
“We thought it was a bomb blast or an electrical fire. Only after running out and turning around did we see that a plane had crashed into our college. I will never forget that sight,” he added.
The crash of Flight AI-171, en route to London from Ahmedabad, claimed over 200 lives, including passengers and some ground casualties. The fact that dozens of students survived what could have been a far greater tragedy is being seen as a miracle.
Emergency responders and fire personnel arrived within minutes, helping evacuate those trapped in upper floors. Several students were treated for minor injuries and shock.
The BJ Medical College building has sustained severe structural damage, and classes have been suspended indefinitely. Officials are now inspecting the area and counseling is being provided for affected students.
This chilling story is just one among many in a day marked by horror — but also by miraculous escapes, human courage, and the will to survive.
