Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MD)
Mangaluru, May 22: Commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Air India Express crash near Bajpe airport in 2010, the district administration on Friday May 22 paid a solemn homage to the victims of the crash at Kenjar.
District incharge minister Ramanath Rai, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim, zilla panchayat CEO Srividya, airport director J T Radhakrishnan, and other officials placed wreaths to pay their respects to the departed souls.
Expressing his condolence, Ramanath Rai said, "Five years ago Mangaluru witnessed a massive catastrophe in the form of the plane crash. It was a very tragic incident which we cannot forget. I can still remember those days when I visited the hospital and it was not possible for any of us to recognise the deceased. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy."
Speaking to the media, DC A B Ibrahim said the work on the construction of a memorial park for the victims of the crash will start in a week's time. "The blueprints and other things are ready and New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) and Mangalore International Airport (MIA) have also joined hands in this work. The park will come up near the Kulur bridge leading to Tannirbavi."
Regarding pending compensation to the plane crash victims, DC Ibrahim said, "Only the disputed cases which are in the court are pending. Families of all other victims have received compensation."
The air crash, one of India's worst aviation disasters, had claimed 158 lives and spared eight passengers.