New Delhi, July 26 -- 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...