Two 16-year-old girls from China who were en route to West Valley Christian School in West Hills were killed in the crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 214 at San Francisco International Airport. They have been identified as Wang Linjia and Ye Mengyuan, according to China Central Television, citing a fax from the airline to the Jiangshan city government.
The girls were among 35 middle and high school students who were scheduled to attend a study abroad program at the school on Sherman Way, starting this week.
The school plans a prayer vigil Thursday at 7 p.m. to remember the girls.
Earlier, the school posted on its website, "Now, we are unsure what their next steps will be ... but we are certain that God knows and will help us care for them in this time of crisis. Please join us as we learn how to care for them.''
According to the posting, gift cards to pay for missing items in luggage
can be delivered to church and school offices. "Sympathy cards and other gestures of care are welcomed,'' according to the school.
"Dear Lord, give grace to their moms and dads, brothers and sisters,'' the posting continues. "Give us wisdom and compassion as we care for our guests from China.''
Those wishing to drop off gift or sympathy cards can take them to the school at 22450 Sherman Way.
The flight, which started its journey in Shanghai, was coming to the end of a 10-hour direct flight from Incheon International Airport in Seoul, Korea when it crash landed at SFO shortly after noon. At the time, 291 passengers and 16 crew members were on board.
West Valley Christian School Administrator Derek Swales told ABC7 that Valley Christian opens its doors to international students for three-week programs during the summer. Participants study language arts and culture during the mornings and go sightseeing in the afternoon.
-- City News Service
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