Air India has announced the compensation amounts for the families of the individuals aboard the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad.
The flight AI 171 from Air India was scheduled to travel to London Gatwick, with an anticipated arrival in the UK at 6.25pm local time today.
Tragically, the aircraft collided with a residential zone in Meghani Nagar shortly after departing from Ahmedabad Airport in India. Officials have confirmed the plane’s impact with a medical college hostel.
Air India reported that the airplane had 242 occupants. The airline specified: “Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.”
Ahmedabad city police commissioner G.S. Malik provided an update to The Associated Press stating that it ‘appears there are no survivors in the plane crash’, although one survivor has now been confirmed by the police.
The Tata Group, Air India’s parent company, has issued a statement from its chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran.
The statement posted on Twitter said: “We are deeply anguished by the tragic event involving Air India Flight 171.
“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.”
Additionally, it stated: “Tata Group will provide ₹1 crore [$116,000] 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 statement further mentioned: “We remain steadfast in standing with the affected families and communities during this unimaginable time.”
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sorrow on Twitter, saying ‘the tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us’, and added: “It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the ‘devastating’ event, stating: “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.
“I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
Shocking video footage of the incident has been circulating online in recent hours, depicting the plane’s rapid descent followed by an explosion.
A fire ensued, producing a significant plume of smoke visible near the airport.