UAE doctor pledges ₹6 crore to medical students affected in AI crash

UAE-based philanthropist Dr Shamsheer Vayalil announced ₹6 crore (Dh2.5 million) in financial aid for families devastated by the tragic Air India flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad.

The relief includes ₹1 crore each for the families of the four deceased medical students, ₹20 lakh each for five critically injured students, and ₹20 lakh each for families of doctors who lost loved ones.

Moved by the tragedy’s resemblance to his own time in medical hostels, Dr Shamsheer said, “It hit close. Too close.”

The tragic Air India plane crash occurred on June 12, involving Flight AI171, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, encountered technical difficulties shortly after takeoff and crashed near the outskirts of Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of 241 people on board, including passengers and crew members.

The crash also claimed the lives of several people on the ground where it crashed, including a hostel building housing medical students.

Initial reports suggest a possible engine failure, but a detailed investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), along with international aviation authorities, is underway to determine the exact cause. The impact of the crash was devastating, with the aircraft disintegrating on contact and bodies severely charred, necessitating DNA testing for identification.

It is one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s history, prompting nationwide mourning and triggering a massive emergency response involving NDRF teams, forensic experts, and state agencies.

(with inputs from syndicated feed)