AHMEDABAD, India (Diya TV) — In the wake of India’s worst aviation tragedy in over a decade, the Tata Group will provide Rs 1 crore (more than $116,000) in compensation to the families of each person who lost their life in the crash of Air India Flight AI-171.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London Gatwick, crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday. The tragedy killed over 200 individuals, including all 242 on board and several civilians on the ground. The aircraft struck the residential quarters of BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital, compounding the devastation.
He added, “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 they receive all necessary care and support.”
Chandrasekaran confirmed Tata Group’s commitment to rebuilding the damaged hostel at BJ Medical College. The crash killed three MBBS students and injured approximately 45 others, who are currently receiving treatment.
“Additionally, we will support the rebuilding of the BJ Medical hostel. We remain steadfast in standing with the affected families and communities during this unimaginable time,” he said.
The Tata Group reacquired Air India from the Indian government in 2022. This tragedy marks one of the most serious challenges faced under its leadership.
Flight AI-171 took off at 1:39 pm with 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Soon after departure, the aircraft issued a distress call and lost contact with ATC. It crashed into Meghaninagar, a densely populated area near the airport. The impact caused a massive blaze, killing nearly everyone on board. Authorities have confirmed only two survivors so far.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik reported that a passenger in seat 11A survived, along with another individual who is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. Authorities have recovered 204 bodies, and identification efforts are still ongoing.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a full-scale probe into the crash. The incident has triggered renewed scrutiny of Boeing’s Dreamliner programme.
