Taiwanese Top Military Official Killed in Helicopter Crash

By Staff, Agencies

The Taiwanese Defense Ministry has confirmed the death of Air Force General Shen Yi-min – Chief of the Taiwanese General Staff. The official died when a military aircraft en route to the northeastern city of Ilan crashed in the mountains.

According to initial reports, at least 11 people survived the incident, however, China Daily stated in a conflicting report that only five people had been confirmed alive.

The Defense Ministry later announced that only 5 survivors had been found in the crash, also confirming that General Shen Yi-min had died in the accident.

The Taiwan News reported, citing the military, that along with General Shen, the list of passengers included several top officials from the General Staff.

Flags at all military units will fly at half-mast for three days as Shen was the highest-ranking military official to die while on official duty, the government said.

Lieutenant-general Tsao Ching-ping, one of five survivors, told rescuers in footage broadcast on local TV: "I am okay... two others are injured and only I can walk."

"There is one more person who's more seriously wounded and two or three people in the cabin ... while two more with no signs of life."

President Tsai Ing-wen's office said that she will cancel all campaign activities for three days after the tragedy. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party will also suspend campaigning for three days.

Tsai is seeking a second term against Kaohsiung city mayor Han Kuo-yu of the Kuomintang [KMT] party in the January 11 elections when Taiwan will also elect a new parliament.