Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, May 22: The plane tragedy that occurred on May 22, 2010 completed 13 years on Monday May 22. While 158 people including passengers and crew perished in the ill-fated crash, only eight managed to survive.

The identity of many passengers could not be confirmed. Such bodies were buried on the banks of Phalguni river of Kulur. A park in memory of the victims is built on the same spot. The district administration offered tribute to the victims on Monday. Deputy commissioner (DC) M R Ravikumar was present.

The DC said, “A memorial has been created paying tribute to the air crash victims and each year, they are remembered here. Let the family members have the resilience to confront the anguish of losing their loved ones. We, the government officials are honoured to pay respects to the victims of the air crash.” 

It may be recalled, on May 22, 2010 around 6.20 am Air India Express flight that arrived from Dubai was trying to land at the international airport at Bajpe. However, the pilot misjudged the landing mark and overshot the runway. The plane plunged into the depth from the Kenjar hills on which the table top airport is situated. Within seconds the whole plane was engulfed in huge flames and 158 people were burnt to death. Only eight managed to jump out of the plane and survive.

The Air India Express recruited Mumbai based company led by legal expert H D Nanavati to provide compensation to the families of the victims. The company said that it has provided compensation to 147 families. Among them there were families who received maximum of Rs 7.7 crore benefit. However, many families raised objection on the amount of compensation. As many as 45 families are still fighting legal battle on the same issue. Meanwhile, Air India Express was acquired by Tata group of companies.