Tata Group Announces ₹1 Crore Compensation For Families Of Ahmedabad Air India Crash Victims

Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of those who lost their lives in Thursday's tragic Air India crash near Ahmedabad.

In addition to the financial aid, the Group will cover the medical treatment of those injured in the accident and extend support in rebuilding the B J Medical College hostel, which sustained damage from the crash. Chandrasekaran expressed deep grief, stating, "No words can adequately express the sorrow we feel. Our prayers are with the bereaved families and those injured."

The crash involved a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating as Air India Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The aircraft took off at 1:39 pm from Runway 23 of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport with 242 people on board, including two pilots and ten cabin crew members. Shortly after departure, the flight issued a MAYDAY call but lost contact with Air Traffic Control. The aircraft crashed outside the airport perimeter, bursting into flames and sending thick black smoke into the air.

Commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and co-piloted by First Officer Clive Kundar, the aircraft was fully fueled for its long-haul journey, making the post-crash blaze particularly intense. The crash site, near Meghaninagar, was immediately attended to by fire engines, ambulances, and rescue personnel. Three NDRF teams, comprising 90 members from Gandhinagar, were deployed, with reinforcements arriving from Vadodara.

As of now, rescue operations are ongoing, and casualty figures have not been officially confirmed. Air India has stated it is verifying passenger details and will continue to issue updates through its official channels.