NEW DELHI — The CEO of Air India, Campbell Wilson, has made a statement following the devastating crash of flight AI 171 earlier today in India.

As reported the flight was carrying 230 passengers, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. Twelve crew were also onboard.

“First and most importantly, I’d like to express our deep sorrow about this event,” said Wilson in his video statement.

“This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India, and our efforts now are focussed entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families and loved ones.

“I know that there are many questions, and at this stage, I won’t be able to answer all of them.

“I do want to share the information we have at this time.

“Air India flight AI 171, operating with a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, travelling from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick has been involved in an accident after take-off.

“Flight AI171 was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members onboard the aircraft. Of the passengers, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.

“The injured passengers have been taken by local authorities to the nearest hospitals. We are actively working with the authorities on emergency response efforts. A special team of caregivers from Air India will soon be on their way to Ahmedabad to provide additional support.

“The investigations will take time, and anything we can do now, we are doing.”

A helpline has been set up for friends and family, at 1800-56-91-444.

“We understand that people are eager for information. Please know that we will continue to share accurate and timely information as soon as we can. But anything we report must be accurate and not speculative. We owe that to everyone involved,” said Wilson.

“For now, our teams are working around the clock to support passengers, crew and their families, as well as investigators, however we can.”

Please see here for a video statement from Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, regarding Air India flight 171.