New Delhi [India], July 26 (ANI): Air India has released Rs 25 lakh in interim compensation payments to the families of 147 of the 229 passengers who lost their lives, in the tragic crash of the Air India Flight 171 on June 12, and 19 who were killed in the accident site.

The interim payment of Rs 25 lakh per family was initiated over a month ago to support the immediate financial needs of the bereaved. These payments will be adjusted against the final compensation to be determined later.

In a statement on Saturday, Air India reaffirmed its commitment to the victims and their loved ones: 'Air India stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI171 accident. We continue to mourn their loss and remain fully committed to providing support during this difficult time' the airline said.

Additionally, the airline noted that documentation for 52 more families has been verified, with interim compensation to be disbursed to them progressively.

Air India has, so far, released the interim compensation to the families of 147 of the 229 deceased passengers and also the 19 who lost their lives at the accident site. In addition, the requisite documents of 52 others have been verified, to whose families the interim compensation will be released progressively, the statement reads.

The Tata Group has also established The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust in memory of the victims. The Trust has pledged an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 crore for each deceased individual. It will also support the rebuilding of the B.J. Medical College Hostel infrastructure, which was damaged in the accident, and provide assistance to first responders, medical personnel, and other support workers affected by the tragedy.

The Tata Group has also registered 'The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust', dedicated to the victims of the unfortunate accident. The Trust has pledged an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 crore in respect of each of the deceased, and support for rebuilding the B.J. Medical College Hostel infrastructure, which was damaged in the accident, as per the statement.

The Trust will also provide aid and assistance for alleviation of any trauma or distress suffered by the first responders, medical and disaster relief professionals, social workers, and governmental staff who provided invaluable institutional support and service in the aftermath of the accident, statement further said. (ANI)