A legal expert has weighed in on Air India’s decision to offer immediate compensation to the families of those who died in a recent tragic crash.
The UK-bound aircraft, carrying more than 200 passengers, went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport in western India on June 12. Of the 242 people on board, only one survivor has been confirmed, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the country’s recent history.
In response to the immense loss of life, Air India has announced that it will provide immediate financial compensation to the victims’ families.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Group—the parent company of Air India—issued a statement expressing the airline’s sorrow:
“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.”
The decision to expedite compensation has sparked discussion in legal circles, with one lawyer noting that while the move is compassionate and timely, it may also have implications for future litigation and liability claims.
He continued: “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.”
Air India’s quick response to the tragedy has surprised some, but legal expert Sarah Stewart said it wasn’t unusual.
Sarah, from Stewarts Law’s aviation team, told UNILAD: “Early offers of compensation are not unusual and it’s something we’ve seen before, for example in the Singapore Airlines turbulence case. It’s too early for grieving families to be considering offers of compensation, recent reports show a survivor.
“When the time is right, they will want to seek specialist legal advice before accepting any offer of compensation as it may limit their rights down the line. It’s better to wait for investigations to progress so that we understand fully what happened on that flight.”
A view of the site where the Air India plane crashed (Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Several world leaders have spoken out about yesterday’s tragedy, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The flight, which was carrying 53 Brits, 169 Indian nationals, seven Portuguese travelers and one Canadian, was headed for London’s Heathrow Airport.
“The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” said Starmer.
“I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
Meanwhile, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter: “Visited the crash site in Ahmedabad today. The scene of devastation is saddening. Met officials and teams working tirelessly in the aftermath. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy.
“We are all devastated by the air tragedy in Ahmedabad. The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words. Condolences to all the bereaved families. We understand their pain and also know that the void left behind will be felt for years to come. Om Shanti.”
40 year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national, was the only person to survive the crash.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email info@grievewell.com.
