All efforts focused on aftermath as TransAsia removes New Year red lanterns

▲ TransAsia staff removing the red lanterns from the counter. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong)

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Taipei

TransAsia Airways Flight GE235 crashed into the Keelung River behind the Nangang Exhibition Center at 10:56 a.m. today (Feb. 4). By 5:00 p.m., the death toll stood at 16, with injured passengers being transported to hospitals such as Tri-Service General Hospital in Neihu for emergency treatment. Aside from holding a press conference at 3:00 p.m., TransAsia also quietly removed all the festive New Year lanterns from its counter at Taipei Songshan Airport in the evening.

As the Lunar New Year holiday approaches, many airline counters at Taipei Songshan Airport are decorated with traditional elements such as Spring Festival couplets and lanterns. However, after today’s air disaster, TransAsia staff have taken down the large red lanterns hanging at their counter.

▲ TransAsia staff removing the red lanterns from the counter. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong)

TransAsia stated that New Year decorations are a traditional custom during the Lunar New Year, but following such a tragic incident, the airline has chosen to remove all celebratory decorations and focus entirely on the aftermath and victim assistance. TransAsia also noted that it has contacted the families of all Taiwanese passengers and is currently working through Xiamen Airport and mainland travel agencies to reach out to the families of mainland passengers, arranging for them to come to Taiwan as soon as possible.

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