Air India plane crash: Narrow escape for many Keralites in Ahmedabad

Thiruvananthapuram: Scores of Keralites, especially many doctors and nurses, are among those who had a narrow escape from Ahmedabad flight mishap on Thursday.

As soon as the news of the air crash came, the social media groups of Malayali forums in Ahmedabad were busy with messages ensuring safety of the members. The Malayali association of Ahmedabad also got involved in the rescue and relief activities. Even as there is a huge Malayali population in Ahmedabad, so far there were no reports of any Malayalis among those under treatment.

Malayali doctor Elizabeth Udayan, who is doing her post-graduation at the civil hospital, was among those who put the 'I am safe' message on social media.

"I was at the hospital when the incident took place. We didn't hear any sound. Only after a message regarding mass casualty was received, we came to know that the flight crashed at the hostel and mess block. Swiftly we shared messages in the WhatsApp groups informing that we are safe," Dr Elizabeth told the media.

Elizabeth was among the scores of Malayali doctors and nurses involved in the rescue and relief works. She is the ex-wife of actor Bala. Bala had also shared his concern on social media after coming across the incident.

The Ahmedabad Kerala Samajam office bearers too swung into action by taking part in the relief works.

"There could be around one lakh Malayalis in Ahmedabad. We have checked with all hospitals. Except the Malayali nurse Renjitha G Nair, no other Malayalis were found to have suffered any casualty," the Samajam general secretary Benny Varghese told DH.