A TransAsia Airways turboprop airplane crashed on an island near Taiwan on Wednesday, killing 47 people. The crash set buildings on fire, however no one in those buildings suffered injuries or died. The plane–a 70-seat ATR 72–was making its second attempt at landing on the island of Makong during a severe thunderstorm.

Eleven of the TransAsia Airways passengers were transported to the nearest hospital with injuries.

“It was thunderstorm conditions during the crash,” Hsi Wen-guang, a spokesman for the Penghu County Government Fire Bureau. “From the crash site we sent 11 people to hospital with injuries. A few empty apartment buildings adjacent to the runway caught fire, but no one was inside at the time and the fire was extinguished.”

About 100 firefighters were sent to the scene, as well as 152 military personnel and 255 police officers. An official at the Civil Aeronautics Administration reported that the weather conditions at the time of the crash didn’t exceed international regulations for landing a plane of its size.

Our thoughts are with all those on board TransAsia Airways #GE222, their families and loved ones.

— Malaysia Airlines (@MAS) July 23, 2014

A TransAsia Airways passenger plane crashed Wednesday in Taiwan, reportedly killing dozens on board. Working to confirm, story coming.

— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) July 23, 2014

TransAsia’s president, Chooi Yee-choong, has appeared on national television stations, bowing in apology for the loss of so many lives.

“We express our deepest apologies to everyone for this unfortunate event,” he said.

Of course this tragic TransAsia Airways plane crash comes on the heels of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 that was reportedly shot down over Ukraine, as well as Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 that disappeared without a trace back in March. It is no doubt making people from around the world rethink their travel plans.

This has been a dark month for aviation. First Malaysia Airlines #MH17 and now TransAsia Airways #GE222. Let us unite in prayer.

— Youth Events (@YouthMalaysia) July 23, 2014

This TransAsia Airways plane was part of a fleet of 23 Airbus and ATR aircraft. Based in Taiwan, the airline features flights to and from mainland China, Japan, Thailand and Cambodia, as well as other Asian destinations.

Condolences are going out from around the world to TransAsia Airways and the passengers and crew members who died on this tragic flight.

Image via YouTube