TransAsia Airways plane crashes in Penghu; residents: It was thundering and raining heavily at the time

Reported by Chen Tzu-yin / Taipei

TransAsia Airways reported an aviation incident at around 7:00 p.m. on the 23rd in Penghu. Flight 222, an ATR72 aircraft flying from Kaohsiung’s Xiaogang Airport to Magong, reportedly crashed near the airport,Initial reports mentioned one death and six injuries, but the head of the Penghu Fire Bureau stated that excluding the 11 injured, the other 47 people on board perished.It is understood that TransAsia Airways had already announced during the day that starting at 1:00 p.m. on the 23rd, domestic flights between Magong and Kinmen would resume gradually depending on weather conditions. The flight was originally scheduled to depart at 4:00 p.m. and arrive at 5:30 p.m., but was delayed to 6:00 p.m. due to the typhoon. Unfortunately, the accident occurred.According to accounts from local residents, Penghu was experiencing very strong winds and rain at the time. When the crash happened, it was stormy with continuous thunder, and poor visibility may have contributed to the tragedy. The explosion sound at the time of the incident left a deep impression and fear among residents.


▲ The TransAsia Airways aviation incident in Penghu has been confirmed as a “plane crash,” with reports suggesting around 50 people may have died. A press conference will be held by the Civil Aeronautics Administration at 9:40 p.m. to provide details. (Photo / Eastern TV News)