Vatican City (AsiaNews)
- Pope Francis has sent his condolences to the families of the victims of the
plane crash that took place yesterday in Taiwan, at Magong airport on the Penghu
archipelago.
With a telegram addressed to the Archbishop of Taipei, Msgr. John Hung, signed
by the Secretary of State, Cardinal. Pietro Parolin, the pontiff expressed his "sadness"
over the incident and "the assurance of his prayers for all affected by
this tragedy. Upon all he invokes God's blessings of consolation, strength and
peace"
The TransAsia Airways plane, with 58 people on board, crashed to the ground
after two attempts to land at Magong. It was surprised by the bad weather caused
by Tropical Storm Matmo. 48 people were killed in the crash, including two French
nationals. All crew members (two pilots and two stewards) perished.
This is the first serious plane crash in Taiwan in over 10 years.
Minister of Transport Yeh Kuang-shih, together with the airport authorities,
visited the scene of the accident and opened an investigation into the disaster.