Clinton Won't Speculate On TWA Crash's Cause

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, July 18) -- A cautious President Bill Clinton expressed sadness today over the TWA jetliner crash in New York, but said it was far too early to speculate on its cause. (192K WAV sound)

"The main thing I want to say to the American people today is we are working overtime on this," Clinton told reporters. "Do not jump to conclusions. Let's wait 'til we get the facts, and let's remember the families." (160K WAV sound)

The Paris-bound jet crashed in the ocean Wednesday night shortly after take-off from New York City, apparently killing all 228 people on board. A search for survivors is underway.

Republican candidate Robert Dole released a written statement on the accident, saying: "This is a sad day for all Americans. Elizabeth and I join our fellow citizens in praying for the families of the passengers and crew of Flight 800 who have lost their lives. We pray also for all those involved in the recovery effort, in hope that they will find the answers behind this terrible tragedy."

At the White House, Clinton said he was convinced federal investigators would pinpoint the cause.

"We will determine what happened, but for now, I want to caution again the American people against jumping to any conclusions and ask that today overwhelmingly, our people remember the families of the people who were on that flight in their prayers," he said.

"And I want to remind you that when we had the terrible tragedy in Oklahoma City, a lot of people immediately concluded that this must have done by some force outside our country, and it appears that that was not the case now," the president said. "So let's wait until we see the evidence."

Clinton declined to characterize calls to media outlets after the accident claiming responsibility for the crash, saying sometimes they are only an attempt to ride along on a tragedy.

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