Lawyer responds to Air India's decision to offer immediate compensation as owner reveals how much it will pay victims' families

A lawyer has weighed in on Air India's decision to offer immediate compensation to the grieving families of those who died in a recent crash.

A UK-bound aircraft carrying over 200 people crashed yesterday (June 12) shortly after taking off from an airport in India's western city of Ahmedabad.

It's since been confirmed that only one person on the Air India flight with 242 on board survived the devastating ordeal.

In light of the mass deaths, Air India has confirmed that it will be immediately compensating the families of the deceased.

In a statement from the Tata Group, which owns Air India, chairman of the airline Natarajan Chandrasekaran 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."

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.

"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 [email protected].