Two Taiwanese citizens died in the crash of Dominican Republic-bound American Airlines flight 587 in New York City on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed yesterday.
Chen Ching-chih (陳清智) and Tzeng Po-yi (曾柏義), two Taiwanese businessmen who often traveled to the Dominican Republic, one of Taiwan's diplomatic allies, were on the Airbus A300 jet that carried a total of 260 passengers and crew, officials said.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Katharine Chang (張小月) said the ministry was helping family members arrange for flights to the US.
"They'll depart for the US this afternoon. The Chen family will travel in one group, while the Tzengs will travel in another," Chang said yesterday evening.
"They have been extremely saddened," Chang added.
Chen died at the age of 55, leaving behind a son and daughter, Chang said. Tzeng's family, however, declined to reveal to the public any further details, Chang added.
No casualties were reported among overseas Taiwanese residing in the Rockaway section of Queens, where the plane crashed.
The number of Taiwanese residing in the Dominican Republic is around 14,500, and 50 Taiwanese firms currently operate in the country, according to foreign ministry figures.
Taiwanese investment in the Dominican Republic totalled US$90 million last year, with Taiwan enjoying a healthy trade surplus. The volume of Taiwanese exports to the country reached US$103.86 million while imports to Taiwan stood at US$0.92 million, sources said.
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