New Delhi, June 12 -- Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran issued a statement after a plane, with 242 persons onboard, crashed minutes after takeoff on Thursday, June 12. The Air India plane crashed just outside the Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat and everyone onbiard are feared dead.

In his first statement, the Air India chairman confirmed the Ahmedabad-London Air India Flight 171 crash and said at this hour, the primary focus remains on supporting and helping the victims and their families.

"With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating e...