 "Rescue team members work as smoke rises at the site where an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, on June 12, 2025. Reuters")
In the wake of the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171, the Tata Group on Thursday expressed deep sorrow and announced Rs 1 crore in compensation to the families of each person who lost their life in the crash.
“We are deeply anguished by the tragic event involving Air India Flight 171. No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured,” N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, said in a statement.
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“Tata Group will provide Rs 1 crore to the families of each person who has lost their life in this tragedy. We will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support,” the statement added.
The statement also said that the group will provide support in the building up of the B J Medical’s hostel.
“We remain steadfast in standing with the affected families and communities during this unimaginable time,” the statement concluded.
Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London, crashed near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport shortly after takeoff on Thursday, killing all 242 people on board.
The aircraft was seen losing altitude rapidly before crashing in a fireball, sending thick black smoke spiraling into the sky.
According to officials, the flight was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian passenger. The 12-member crew was also among those killed.
Aviation regulator DGCA confirmed that the aircraft’s pilot issued a Mayday call to Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control shortly after takeoff. However, no further communication was received from the cockpit after the distress signal.
The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain (LTC) with 8,200 flight hours, along with First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of flying experience.
In response to the disaster, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal investigation. Senior officials, including the AAIB Director General and Director of Investigation, are en route to Ahmedabad to lead the probe into what caused one of the deadliest aviation accidents in recent Indian history.
With inputs from agencies