Tata Group announces ₹1 crore compensation for each victim of Air India crash

Tata Group on Thursday announced a compensation of ₹1 crore to the families of each person who lost their life in the crash of Air India flight AI171, which went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The aircraft struck the residential quarters and hostel complex of BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital in the Meghaninagar area.

Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran said the conglomerate is “deeply anguished” by the tragedy.

“No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment,” Chandrasekaran said in a statement. “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.”

The group also announced support for rebuilding the BJ Medical College hostel complex that was struck by the aircraft.

“We remain steadfast in standing with the affected families and communities during this unimaginable time,” the statement added.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft took off at 1:39 pm IST from Runway 23 and issued a "Mayday" call moments later before losing contact with Air Traffic Control.

The crash site showed wreckage sticking out from the upper floors of the five-storey hostel building.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will launch a formal probe into the incident.

A US government agency that investigates civil aviation accidents said it would be leading a team of American investigators to India to assist in the investigation of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said in a post on X that it will be “leading a team of US investigators travelling to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau with its investigation into the crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad, India, Thursday.”

It added that, as per international protocols under the International Civil Aviation Organisation, all information on the investigation will be provided by the Government of India.