Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, May 22: Marking the seven anniversary of the horrific air crash at Mangaluru airport in 2010, families of the crash victims, the district administration and others paid solemn and emotional tributes to those who lost their lives in tragedy that left 158 dead.

Tributes were paid to the victims of the crash at the memorial park near Tannirbavi beach here on Monday May 22, exactly seven years since the crash.

Addressing the gathering after paying his tributes, district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai said, "The tragedy snatched away the lives of 158 people who were eager to join their families back home. We have a duty to pay tributes to them. Even though it is hard to get over the tragedy, ultimately we need to make peace and adjust as time goes on."

Helen Menezes, widow of Melwin Menezes who died in the crash recalled how her husband had initially planned to visit Mangaluru from Dubai two days earlier, but was not able to get ticket, and had finally flown by the ill-fated Air India Express flight X-812. "I was depressed and it took me several months to recover from the tragedy, but I had to be strong for my children. I pursued B Ed from Pune Open University and began teaching," she said. Her daughter, who was only 22 months at the time, was also present at the ceremony.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik, deputy commissioner Dr K G Jagadeesha, ADC
Kumar, Mangaluru City Corporation mayor Kavita Sanil, MCC commissioner Mohammed Nazeer, airport director V V Rao, and others were present.