In a significant gesture of support following the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, has announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of each person who lost their life in the accident.
In a public statement, Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said:
“Tata Group will provide ₹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. Additionally, we will provide support in the building up of the B J Medical’s hostel.”
The announcement comes as rescue operations continue at the crash site in Meghaninagar, where the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, on its way to London’s Gatwick Airport.
So far, 204 bodies have been recovered, and one survivor, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, has been confirmed and is currently undergoing treatment.
The crash also claimed the lives of several medical students, as the aircraft fell onto the residential quarters of BJ Medical College.
Tata Group’s announcement has been welcomed by grieving families and the public, with many appreciating the company’s swift action in addressing the humanitarian crisis.
Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi and key union ministers have taken stock of the situation and directed ongoing rescue and relief efforts.