The search continues for a missing F-5E fighter jet pilot following a mid-air collision that took the life of a second pilot.
The collision took place during a training mission on Monday afternoon off the coast of southeastern Taiwan. Four F-5E fighter jets were participating in the mission. Two of the jets collided shortly after 3pm and disappeared from radar screens. Both of the pilots ejected from their plane following the collision.
Search crews later found 26-year-old First Lieutenant Lo Shang-hua and brought him to the hospital, but he later died of his injuries. They are still searching for 28-year-old Captain Pan Yin-tsun.
On Tuesday morning, President Tsai Ing-wen spoke about the crash during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new military hospital building. She ordered rescue workers to do all they can to find the missing pilot and called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the collision. Tsai also expressed her condolences to the family of the pilot killed in the line of duty.
Meanwhile, Premier Su Tseng-chang answered questions at the legislature on Tuesday morning. Lawmakers held a moment of silence for the two pilots before the session began.
Su spoke about the need for brave and enthusiastic pilots to help protect the nation. He reached out to the family members of the two pilots, saying that he was saddened by the accident. The premier said he would do everything in his power to ensure that the missing pilot is found and that the cause of the accident is brought to light.