Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Doctor's emotional video goes viral amid hostel evacuation

Ahmedabad: A heartfelt video by a doctor affected by the recent plane crash on the hostel mess building of BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad has drawn widespread attention to the challenges faced by healthcare workers during the tragic time, which they had no part in. 

While many people are still reeling from the Ahmedabad plane crash, the doctors and students living in the area have received a double blow. On the one hand, the mental shock of the accident, and on the other hand, the administration's order to suddenly vacate the hostel has left many in distress, especially a doctor in tears. 

The video, which went viral early Saturday, shows Dr Anil Panwar, a cardiac anaesthetist at UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre, asking for more time to vacate the damaged residential quarters while managing to take care of his ill child admitted at the hospital. 

The incident occurred after the crash of an Air India plane into hostel buildings near the medical college, which left several accommodations unsafe. Authorities had asked residents to vacate the quarters urgently so that rescue and demolition work could continue.

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Dr Panwar, visibly exhausted and covered in soot from attempting to shift his belongings, appeared emotionally distressed as he stood among his packed belongings, explaining the pressure of relocating on short notice.

In his trembling voice, Dr Panwar said, "Are we not humans? Can't you give us 2-3 days? We need some basic goods to run the house. Several of our doctors are admitted (to the hospital for treatment). We are troubled... Understand that it is not easy to clear a house overnight."

"I pray to you with folded hands that give us 2-3 days' time. My child is admitted, and I should be with her. Instead, I am here (at the site, clearing belongings). Convey my message to the higher-ups as I am helpless. I am not from Gujarat, and I need some time to shift," he said. 

His wife, Dr Chanchal Bhandari, also a cardiac anaesthetist, had grabbed attention a day ago when news broke out of how her heroism and her nanny's presence of mind helped them save her two-year-old daughter's life after the ill-fated plane crashed into the hostel buildings.

His situation touched many across social media, drawing sympathy from citizens and fellow medical professionals. Many of them have highlighted the psychological and physical toll the crash has taken on healthcare workers already coping with long shifts and trauma.

However, by Saturday afternoon, Dr Panwar released a second video. In it, he explained that his earlier comments were made in a moment of stress and confusion. He added that temporary housing had already been arranged for his family by hospital authorities, but he was unaware of it at the time due to the chaos.

“I said a lot of things I didn’t mean. I was overwhelmed. But I want to say now that the police and hospital administration have helped us tremendously. We have been given shelter, and we are safe. I am grateful,” he said.

Further, he added, "I was mentally disturbed and didn't know what I was saying. Volunteers helped us shift our belongings. I again thank the hospital and government authorities."

Hospital officials confirmed that proper arrangements were made for all those affected. According to BJ Medical College Dean Dr Minakshi Parikh, a total of 159 residents from the damaged quarters and hostels were provided with alternative accommodations. 

Dr Minakshi Parikh, dean of BJMC, told TOI, "100 students from Atulyam 2 and 3 had been moved to the GCRI Old Block and Digvijaya Lions Hostel. Another 38 residents from Atulyam 1 were relocated to PG Hostel wings ON the MediCity campus, the Mithila quarters, and the UN Mehta hostel. Twenty-one residents from Atulyam 4 were shifted to the Dental College quarters and Mithila 2 quarters. "All affected students and residents have been shifted to new accommodations as of Saturday."

Some junior doctors, speaking anonymously, acknowledged that the shifting process was not without hurdles, as the relief and rescue work was going on all around. "Almost all of us were reporting to duty due to the scale of the catastrophe. But one can understand that the authorities are also pressed on multiple fronts. The seniors and staffers also helped us, and almost all have now been shifted to new accommodations," said a doctor. 

Several voluntary organisations are providing meals and other help to the affected residents, said officials.

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