TransAsia flight GE235 crashes after takeoff

Transasia GE235
Rescuers carry out a rescue operation after a TransAsia Airways plane crash landed in a river, in New Taipei City, February 4, 2015. At least two people were killed when a Taiwanese TransAsia plane carrying 58 people crashed landed in a Taipei river on Wednesday, the Taiwan government said. REUTERS/Pichi Chuang Photograph: PICHI CHUANG/REUTERS

TransAsia flight GE235 crashes bridge and at Keelung river at Taipei. The TransAsia flight GE235 crashes after takeoff. there were nine confirmed deaths, 18 people were injuries, and 31 people who were unaccounted for. This report is expected to change as the rescue mission continues.

 

Transasia GE235
Rescuers carry out a rescue operation after a TransAsia Airways plane crash landed in a river, in New Taipei City, February 4, 2015. At least two people were killed when a Taiwanese TransAsia plane carrying 58 people crashed landed in a Taipei river on Wednesday, the Taiwan government said. REUTERS/Pichi Chuang Photograph: PICHI CHUANG/REUTERS

The Taiwanese Central Disaster Response Centre has issued a release on the TransAsia crash. My colleague Monica Tan has provided this translation of the release, which confirms that there have been a number of deaths and injuries

The plane lost contact at 10.53am on and was found in Keelung river in Taipei. The ministry of transportation contacted the disaster response centre 20 minutes later.

Confirmed on the flight are 53 passengers and five crew members, totalling 58 people. Taipei city rescue teams are in operation, having rescued 16 people who were admitted to a nearby hospital, with two announced dead on arrival.

Several fire engines, ambulances, water craft and almost 170 rescue staff have been dispatched.

The release appears to have been posted about an hour ago, and there have been reports since then in Taiwanese media of at least nine deaths from the crash.

 

About TransAsia

Airline is based in Taiwan and has been operating as a commercial carrier since 1951. It flies generally local services but has expanded to fly more international routes recently. The company is currently owned by Golden Development & Construction Co Ltd and is listed on the Taiwan stock exchange. In January 2014 it also announced plans to launch a low-cost airline.

In July 2014 a crash occurred that left 48 people dead and 10 injured after a TransAsia plane crash-landed while trying to land at a Taiwanese airport after a typhoon.

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