New Delhi, June 12
Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran on Thursday announced that the company will provide Rs 1 crore to the families of each person who lost their life in the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad.
He also said that the Tata Group will cover the medical expenses of those who were injured and ensure they receive full care and support.
In a statement, Chandrasekaran said: "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."
He added that the Tata Group would also help build a new hostel at B.J. Medical College as part of its support efforts.
“We remain steadfast in standing with the affected families and communities during this unimaginable time,” he mentioned.
Expressing his grief, Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata said the tragedy has brought "immense grief to countless families".
"This heart-wrenching incident has brought immense grief to countless families, and our thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones today," he said.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and stand in solidarity with them during this unimaginable time."
The crash involved Air India Flight 171, which was flying from Ahmedabad to London. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the plane had 242 people onboard, including ten cabin crew members.
The DGCA reported that the aircraft took off from Runway 23 at 1.39 p.m. Shortly after, it sent out a MAYDAY distress signal to the Air Traffic Control (ATC), but no further communication was received after that.
The aircraft crashed just outside the airport boundary and was seen emitting thick black smoke.
The flight was being commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar as the co-pilot.
‘Difficult day for all of us': Air India CEO expresses grief over Ahmedabad plane crash
New Delhi, June 12 (IANS) Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic crash of Flight AI171, which took place shortly after its take-off from Ahmedabad.
In his first statement since the accident, Wilson called it a "difficult day" for the airline and assured that all efforts are now focused on helping passengers, crew members and their families.
In a video message shared on social media platform X, Wilson said, “This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India. Our efforts are now focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families and loved ones.”
AI171 was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating from Ahmedabad to London's Gatwick.
Wilson said that the injured were quickly taken to nearby hospitals by local authorities.
He added that Air India is working closely with officials involved in the emergency response and has sent a special team of caregivers to Ahmedabad to provide additional on-ground support.
"We are actively working with the authorities on all emergency response efforts," he said.
“A special team of caregivers from Air India is on their way to Ahmedabad to provide additional support,” Wilson stated.
To help anxious families and friends, Air India has also launched a dedicated helpline.
"We know that many people are concerned for the welfare of their loved ones. We have set up a special helpline that friends and family can reach us at," Wilson said.
He emphasised the importance of sharing only confirmed and accurate information, stating that the airline is committed to keeping everyone updated without spreading speculation.
"Anything we report must be factual and not speculative. We owe that to everyone involved," he mentioned.
Wilson also acknowledged that while an investigation into the cause of the crash is underway, it will take time.
For now, Air India's focus remains on supporting the affected families and assisting investigators in any way possible.
"Our teams are working around the clock to support passengers, crew, and their families, as well as investigators," he said.
