BJ Medical College Crash- Doctors face security barriers to recover belongings

Ahmedabad: Resident doctors of BJ Medical College, still reeling from the shock of the Air India plane crash that hit their hostel mess building, returned the next day to collect their belongings. However, instead of receiving support, they were met with tight security, long delays, and strict restrictions that made the painful process even harder.

The crash site was completely sealed off by security forces. Entry was only allowed after names were recorded and approvals granted. Mobile phones were not allowed inside, as authorities feared people might record videos of the wreckage.

With no official help to move their belongings, the doctors carried whatever they could in plastic bags, sacks, and even medical waste covers. Some brought two-wheelers to load items, while others balanced things on their heads. Many had to wait outside, pleading for access to their own rooms.

Also read- Black Day for Medical Fraternity: Doctors Mourn Loss in Air India Plane Crash at BJ Medical College

Frustrated by the process, a senior doctor told TOI, "We are being treated like we've done something wrong. Police are recording videos of us entering our own rooms. We just came to collect our belongings." 

Dr Umang Karnani said, "I was alive only because I skipped lunch and wasn't in my room at the time. I lost everything-documents, certificates, clothes, and household items. I could only recover a few utensils. My hands are still black from the dust and ash."

Dr Dhaval Patel from the plastic surgery department said his flat in Atulyam-2 was destroyed. "All my certificates and documents are lost. I was at the hospital during the crash, which is why I survived." 

Another woman doctor seeking anonymity said, "I left my young daughter with relatives to come and collect my things. But the police and agencies are being difficult. We've already gone through a traumatic episode. We just want to take our belongings."

Harshad Thakkar, father of Dr Shivam Thakkar, a paediatrician, said, "My son and his wife Jenny Thakkar, who is also a doctor, were in Vadodara at the time of the crash. But when we came to collect their things, we had to wait for hours outside."

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that four MBBS students unfortunately lost their lives, and 20 students sustained serious injuries after the London-bound Air India plane crashed into the mess building of the BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. According to a press note issued by the Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA) of BJ Medical College, out of the 20 injured students, 11 have already been discharged from the hospital and are in stable condition.

The crash also impacted the families of doctors living in the Atulyam building, which houses Super Speciality doctors. Four family members have tragically died. Additionally, the wife of a resident doctor from the Super Speciality department has been injured and is under treatment.

The tragedy unfolded just 32 seconds after the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM. Eyewitnesses and video footage show the aircraft failing to gain lift before plunging into the BJ Medical College Hostel and bursting into flames. Before the incident, the pilots had sent a Mayday call shortly after take-off, but it was too late.

Also read- 4 MBBS students died, 20 injured: BJ Medical College Ahmedabad doctors issue statement