Following yesterday’s horror plane crash in Melbourne, the White House has sent its condolences to the families of the five men killed in the accident.
Described as the worst Victorian civil aviation accident in 30 years by Premier Daniel Andrews, yesterday’s crash claimed the life of four American golfers and Australian pilot Max Quartermain after the Beechcraft King Air they were travelling in crashed into the DFO shopping centre near Essendon Airport.
At a White House press conference held earlier today (Wednesday night Eastern Standard Time), Press Secretary Sean Spicer informed reporters of President Donald Trump’s condolences:
“First off I want to acknowledge the tragic plane crash that occurred in Australia that took the lives of five individuals, including four Americans.”“The President’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and the US embassy and consulate are ready to provide necessary and appropriate assistance.”
Spicer’s address comes as the fifth victim of the accident was identified as 67-year-old Texas retiree John Washburn, who was on a golfing trip with fellow Texans Russell Munsch, Greg De Haven and Glenn Garland.
The group were touring Australia on a golf trip and were reportedly headed to their next game at King Island when the light plane crashed into the shopping centre shortly after taking off from Essendon Airport.
For his part, Quartermain has been described by a friend as an “outstanding pilot,” although he has also been revealed to have been the subject of an 18-month investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. The ATSB are currently investigating yesterday’s incident.
@mmmhotbreakfast pic.twitter.com/Tc6Twy3e32
— Thomas Maggs (@Tsm042) February 20, 2017
Source: The Age.
Photo: Thomas Maggs/Twitter.
