Tata Group Announces ₹1 Crore Compensation for Victims of Air India Crash

Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran on Thursday announced a compensation of ₹1 crore to the family of each person who lost their life in the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad.

In a statement issued shortly after the incident, Chandrasekaran said the company is committed to supporting both the bereaved families and those injured in the accident. “Tata Group will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support,” he said.

The conglomerate also pledged to assist with the reconstruction of the hostel building of B. J. Medical College, which was severely damaged in the crash. “We will provide support in the building up of the B J Medical's hostel,” the chairman added.

Expressing sorrow over the loss of lives, 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.”

Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 PM IST on Thursday.

The aircraft, heavily fuelled for its long-haul flight, caught fire after it crashed near the Meghaninagar area, reportedly slamming into a section of the B. J. Medical College’s student hostel.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the flight was carrying 242 people, including two pilots and ten cabin crew members. "As per ATC, the aircraft departed at 13:39 IST from Runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY call to ATC, but no further response was received. The aircraft crashed outside the airport perimeter and was seen emitting heavy black smoke,” the DGCA said in an official statement.

The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar serving as co-pilot.

Following the crash, multiple fire engines, ambulances, and emergency teams rushed to the site to battle the flames and search for survivors. The aircraft’s fuel load contributed to the intensity of the fire, complicating rescue efforts.

Three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 90 personnel, were deployed from Gandhinagar. Additional NDRF units were dispatched from Vadodara to aid in ongoing recovery operations. The cause of the crash is under investigation by aviation authorities.​