Tragedy struck on the afternoon of June 12 when an Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport and was carrying a total of 242 individuals, including 232 passengers and 10 crew members. In a deeply saddening turn of events, only one person is reported to have survived the crash.
The accident occurred just moments after the plane took off. It crashed into a residential area, causing widespread devastation. Reports indicate that the aircraft had only reached a speed of 322 km/h when the pilot issued a "Mayday" emergency signal. However, soon after, all contact with Air Traffic Control was lost and could not be reestablished. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of chaos as emergency services rushed to the site, with debris strewn across the neighborhood and residents in a state of shock.
As the news broke, the Tata Group, which owns Air India, responded swiftly with a statement expressing deep sorrow and outlining a major relief package for the victims’ families. Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran conveyed heartfelt condolences, stating that the entire Tata Group was profoundly affected by the tragedy. He added that it was difficult to put into words the pain and loss experienced by the affected families and emphasized that the Group stood in full solidarity with those impacted.
To support the victims and their families, Tata Group announced a series of relief measures. Each family who lost a loved one in the crash will receive ₹1 crore as financial assistance. For those injured in the tragedy, Tata has committed to covering the full cost of their medical treatment, ensuring they receive all necessary care and support for their recovery. Additionally, the crash caused significant damage to the hostel building of B.J. Medical College, located near the crash site. Tata Group has pledged to help rebuild this facility, as part of its wider commitment to supporting the community during this difficult time.
These relief measures and expressions of solidarity were shared publicly on Tata Group's official social media platforms, reflecting the company’s transparent and compassionate approach in handling the crisis.
The nation continues to mourn the loss of 241 lives in one of the most devastating aviation tragedies in recent history. As investigations into the crash continue, the priority remains on supporting the victims and preventing such incidents in the future. Tata Group’s quick and responsible actions offer some comfort to grieving families and demonstrate the importance of corporate responsibility in times of national crisis.
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