Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 14: Actor Vikrant Massey expressed deep sorrow over the tragic Air India plane crash that claimed 241 lives on Thursday and clarified that the deceased First Officer Clive Kunder, initially believed to be his cousin, was actually a family friend.

In a heartfelt Instagram Story posted shortly after the incident, Vikrant wrote, “My heart breaks for the families and loved ones of the ones who lost their lives in the unimaginably tragic air crash in Ahmedabad today. It pains even more to know that my uncle, Clifford Kunder, lost his son, Clive Kunder, who was the first officer operating on that fateful night.”

Following media reports identifying Clive Kunder as Vikrant's cousin, the 12th Fail actor issued a clarification. “Dear friends in the media and elsewhere, the unfortunately deceased Mr Clive Kunder was NOT my cousin. The Kunders are our family friends. Request no more speculations and let the family and loved ones grieve in peace,” he wrote.

The tragic crash involved Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, Flight AI171, which departed from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on Thursday at 1:38 PM. The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off, making it one of the worst aviation disasters in Indian history.

Of the 242 onboard — including 230 passengers and 12 crew members — only one person survived. Air India, in a late-night post on X, confirmed the fatalities and added that the lone survivor, a British national of Indian origin, is currently undergoing treatment.

Among the deceased were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Clive Kunder, the first officer of the flight, was among the crew members who lost their lives.

The entire film fraternity and citizens across the country have joined in mourning the loss of lives in this tragic incident.