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In the aftermath of the devastating crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran reached out to employees with a deeply emotional message, calling the tragedy "one of the darkest days in the Tata Group's history."

The incident, which involved a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, has left at least 265 people dead. Among the 242 passengers and crew onboard, only a British national of Indian origin seated in 11A—survived and is currently undergoing medical treatment.

In his message, Chandrasekaran conveyed the collective shock within the organisation, stating, "This is a very difficult moment. What occurred yesterday was inexplicable, and we are in shock and mourning. To lose a single person we know is a tragedy, but for so many deaths to occur at once is incomprehensible." He extended his sympathies to the affected families and assured them of the Group’s support in this period of intense grief and uncertainty.

#AirIndiaFlightCrash | Tata Group Head Natarajan Chandrasekaran writes to his colleagues, "What occurred yesterday was inexplicable, and we are in shock and mourning. To lose a single person we know is a tragedy, but for so many deaths to occur at once is incomprehensible. This… pic.twitter.com/XboB94W6DG

— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2025

Crash Investigation Underway with Global Collaboration

As efforts continue to understand what led to the crash, Chandrasekaran confirmed that investigation teams from India, the UK, and the US had arrived in Ahmedabad within 24 hours of the incident. Emphasising the Group's commitment to accountability, he said, "They have our full cooperation, and we will be completely transparent about the findings. We owe it to the families and loved ones, to our pilots and crew, and to you."

In an appeal to his colleagues and the public, he urged restraint amid rising speculation about the cause of the crash. "There is plenty of speculation all around us. Some of it may be right, some of it may be wrong. I want to urge patience," he said. He reiterated that trained investigators would provide a clear understanding of what happened, and that the Tata Group would share verified information when available.

Air India Confirms Passenger Details and Support Measures

Air India, now owned by Tata Sons, confirmed the aircraft was carrying 230 passengers, ten cabin crew, and two pilots. The airline disclosed the nationalities onboard: 169 Indians, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.

Reflecting on the Group’s stewardship of Air India, Chandrasekaran stressed that passenger safety has always been the paramount concern since the Tata Group took over the airline. "There was no compromising on it," he asserted, acknowledging that assurances of safety offer little solace to the families who suffered irreparable loss.

In closing, he offered a message of unity and resolve: "We built this Group on trust and care. It is a difficult moment, but we will not retreat from our responsibilities, from doing what is right. We will carry this loss. We will not forget."

The tragic crash of Flight AI-171 has left the nation and the global aviation community in mourning. As investigations proceed and facts emerge, the Tata Group has pledged to confront the tragedy with integrity, responsibility, and full transparency.