In the wake of the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 near Ahmedabad, Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of each deceased passenger, reaffirming the group’s commitment to standing by those affected in their darkest hour.
The ill-fated flight, bound for London from Ahmedabad, was carrying 242 people, including 10 crew members, when it crashed just beyond the airport boundary shortly after takeoff. The aircraft had issued a MAYDAY distress signal, but lost contact with Air Traffic Control minutes later. Eyewitnesses reported thick black smoke billowing from the crash site.
In an official 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 further assured that the Tata Group will cover all medical expenses of those injured in the crash and provide full care and support during their recovery. In addition to financial and medical aid, the group will fund the construction of a new hostel at B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabad as part of its broader support initiative for the local community.
“We remain steadfast in standing with the affected families and communities during this unimaginable time,” Chandrasekaran added.
Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata also expressed his profound sorrow over the tragedy:
“This heart-wrenching incident has brought immense grief to countless families. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and stand in solidarity with them.”
The aircraft was being piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar as co-pilot. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is currently conducting an investigation into the cause of the crash. As rescue and recovery efforts continue, the Tata Group’s response has been widely acknowledged as compassionate and swift, reflecting its long-standing ethos of corporate responsibility during times of national crisis.
