A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operated by Air India crashed into the grounds of B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, minutes after departing for London Gatwick. The accident resulted in at least five student fatalities and extensive damage to campus facilities.

According to flight tracking data, the aircraft lost control shortly after its 1:38 p.m. local time takeoff, barely one mile from the airport. It struck several student dormitories before crashing tail-first into the dining hall, where dozens of students had just begun lunch. Eyewitnesses described chaos as students fled mid-meal, dodging falling debris.

First Fatal Crash for Boeing 787-8

This marks the first fatal crash of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner since its commercial debut, according to the Aviation Safety Network. The twin-aisle jet, lauded for its fuel efficiency and long-haul range, had no prior deadly incidents until now.

The full list of casualties among the 242 on board has not been confirmed. Emergency teams responded swiftly to the crash site on Ghoda Camp Road, with rescue operations ongoing amid damaged infrastructure.

Campus Turned Crash Site

College dean Minakshi Parikh confirmed that multiple dorms and the dining hall sustained significant structural damage. “The tail crashed straight into the mess hall,” she said, adding that the number of injured students may rise.

Civil Hospital staff quarters were also affected, prompting an emergency evacuation of adjacent hospital wings as a precaution.