Premier Mao Chi-kuo today led members of the Cabinet in a moment of silence to mourn those who perished in the TransAsia Airways plane crash in Taipei yesterday.
After being briefed by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications on (MOTC) how the accident is being dealt with, the premier directed government agencies to redouble the search for the remaining missing passengers. The MOTC was asked to guide TransAsia in handling the aftermath of the crash and in issuing compensation to victims' families.
Mao also expressed thanks to first responders from Taipei City and New Taipei City fire departments, the national army and civilian agencies. At 12:30 a.m. today, the premier phoned the two cities' fire chiefs to remind their rescue personnel to be safe and stay warm.
Regarding air safety, the premier asked the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) to see to it that TransAsia strengthens all its aviation safety measures immediately. The CAA will also guide other airline companies in inspecting their own planes for safety issues.
The Aviation Safety Council will launch a probe into possible causes of the accident, including the plane's operation and maintenance history, Mao said. He asked the council to announce the findings quickly.