Premier Mao Chi-kuo ordered central and local government agencies to devote their full resources to search and rescue efforts after TransAsia Flight GE235 crashed into the Keelung River in Taipei City this morning.
The premier expressed shock and grief at the accident when he visited the Civil Aeronautics Administration's central emergency operation center at 2 p.m. to hear the latest developments.
During the meeting, Premier Mao also contacted Taipei City Deputy Mayor Teng Chia-ji and New Taipei City Deputy Mayor Hou You-yi to better understand the progress of rescue efforts at the site. He told the two front-line commanders that the central government stands ready to support all search and rescue operations. Mao then asked agencies to extend their full cooperation and to pre-position lighting equipment at the crash site as efforts are expected to continue into the night.
Mao directed the Ministry of Transportation and Communications to see to it that TransAsia maintains open communications with families of the victims and sets up a care center for them. The Mainland Affairs Council and the Straits Exchange Foundation were asked to liaise with families of mainland Chinese passengers, while the Ministry of the Interior was asked to help with the Taiwanese families. The premier also instructed the Ministry of Health and Welfare to work with local social welfare departments in providing family members with any assistance that are needed.