Kin of passenger killed in Santacruz hotel fire:
Kin of passenger killed in Santacruz hotel fire: "IndiGo yet to apologize... airline's fault"
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In this article, we will delve into the unfortunate incident involving IndiGo Airlines, where passengers faced a tragic hotel fire during a layover. Despite the airline's role in the delay that led to the tragedy, there has been a notable lack of communication and accountability on their part. Let's explore the details and implications of this heart-wrenching incident.

The Passengers Involved

Kantilal Vara, Kishan Halai, and Rupal Vekaria - these are the names of the passengers whose lives were forever altered by the events that unfolded on August 27. Let's get to know them a bit better.

Kantilal Vara: A Journey Towards a Better Future

  • Kantilal's Dream: Kantilal Vara, a 40-year-old tailor, embarked on a journey from Ahmedabad to Nairobi for a new job opportunity, driven by the hope of improving his family's financial situation.

  • Connecting Flights: His journey involved a series of connecting flights, with the first leg scheduled to depart from Ahmedabad and the final destination being Nairobi.

The Tragic Turn of Events

  • Missed Connection: Kantilal's plans took a tragic turn when his flight from Ahmedabad was delayed by 45 minutes, causing him to miss his connecting flight to Nairobi.

  • IndiGo's Response: IndiGo, the airline responsible for the delay, booked Kantilal on the next available flight departing from Mumbai, providing him and other affected passengers with accommodation at the Galaxy Hotel in Santacruz.

The Hotel Fire

  • A Deadly Blaze: On August 27, a fire erupted at the Galaxy Hotel, claiming the lives of Kantilal Vara, Kishan Halai, and Rupal Vekaria.

  • Safety Concerns: Mumbai Fire Brigade officials revealed that the hotel lacked adequate safety measures and was not fire-compliant, leading to the suspension of its operations.

IndiGo's Response: Lacking in Compassion and Transparency

The families of the deceased passengers have expressed their frustration with IndiGo's response, or rather, the lack thereof.

A Long Wait for Apology

  • Silence from IndiGo: It has been 10 days since the tragic incident, and the grieving families are yet to receive a formal apology from IndiGo.

  • Unanswered Emails: Multiple emails sent by the families to the airline remain unanswered, leaving them in a state of distress.

Seeking Accountability

  • The Delay's Impact: The 45-minute delay, which was the fault of the airline, is a crucial factor that led to the missed connection and subsequent tragedy.

  • Lack of Concern: The families feel that IndiGo has shown little concern for the victims and their loved ones in the aftermath of the incident.

Legal Actions Taken

In their pursuit of justice, the families have initiated legal proceedings to claim compensation from InterGlobe Aviation Limited, the parent company of IndiGo.

Legal Grounds

  • Carriage By Air Act: This legislation holds the carrier liable for damages in the event of a passenger's death or injury during air travel.

  • Montreal Convention: The Carriage By Air Act aligns with the principles of the Montreal Convention, a treaty addressing compensation for air disaster victims.

Compensation Demands

  • Immediate Compensation: The legal notices sent to the company demand compensation for the families within 14 days.

  • Airlines' Responsibility: The families argue that the airline is responsible for the passengers' safety during layovers and must compensate them accordingly.

IndiGo's Official Response

When contacted, IndiGo issued a press statement expressing condolences for the victims' families and emphasizing their commitment to investigating the matter. However, concerns remain regarding the airline's accountability.

Expert Opinions

Aviation and legal experts have weighed in on the matter, asserting that the families have a valid claim for compensation, given the circumstances. The tragic hotel fire incident during a layover involving IndiGo Airlines raises significant questions about the airline's responsibility and accountability. The families of the victims seek not only compensation but also answers and closure in the face of this heartbreaking tragedy. It is essential for airlines to prioritize passenger safety and communication, especially in times of crisis.

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