TransAsia Plane Crashes in Taiwan, Killing Dozens

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A TransAsia plane, pictured above in 2007, crashed in Taiwan on Wednesday while trying to make an emergency landing.

Image: China Photos/Getty Images

By Brian Ries2014-07-23 13:29:26 UTC

A TransAsia passenger plane has crashed in Taiwan after attempting to make an emergency landing in typhoon conditions.

Fifty-one people are dead, and seven injured have been rushed to area hospitals, according the Associated Press.

Local television is showing live video (below) amid rescue attempts at the crash site.

TransAsia flight GE222, which was reportedly carrying more than 50 people, was attempting a go-around from Magong Airport before the crash on the island of Penghu.

Typhoon Matmo, packing sustained winds of 85 mph was approaching Taiwan and forecast to hit its east-central coast Wednesday morning. Torrential rains, exceeding 7.8 inches over 24 hours, were forecast for virtually the entire island. Some areas of Taiwan are mountainous and prone to mudslides.

A motorcyclist stops in the rain brought by Typhoon Matmo in Xindien district in New Taipei City on July 23, 2014. Typhoon Matmo pounded Taiwan with fierce winds and downpours

Image: SAM YEH/AFP/Getty Images

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Topics: Taiwan, typhoon, US & World, World