I was shocked and deeply distressed to learn soon after midnight the crash of SQ 006 in Taipei. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who died in the tragedy. I also wish those who were injured a speedy recovery.

I have instructed Singapore Airlines, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant government agencies to extend the utmost assistance to families of all the affected passengers.

The Minister for Communications and Information Technology and a team of officials will be flying to Taipei later today to help the affected passengers and the Taiwanese authorities.

I am grateful to the Taiwanese authorities for their prompt actions in attending to the accident, and the help they have rendered and are rendering to the affected passengers and our officials.

We will work closely with them and other concerned agencies to facilitate investigations and to provide all necessary assistance to the affected families.

PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE SINGAPORE
1 November 2000