World leaders have expressed condolences and solidarity with South Korea after the tragic airplane crash in Muan claimed over 170 lives.
In a statement released by the White House, US President Joe Biden expressed his grief over the accident and pledged support to South Korea. “Jill and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life that occurred as a result of the Jeju Airlines accident in Muan, Republic of Korea. As close allies, the American people share deep bonds of friendship with the South Korean people, and our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this tragedy. The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance,” the White House statement read.
Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru extended his sympathies to the bereaved families on behalf of the government and the people of Japan.
이번 가슴 아픈 여객기 사고로 한국에서 수많은 고귀한 생명을 잃은 것에 깊은 슬픔을 느낍니다.
일본 정부 및 일본 국민을 대표하여 희생되신 분들 및 유가족들께 진심으로 애도의 뜻을 표하며 부상당하신 분들이 하루빨리 쾌유하시기를 기원합니다.
— 石破茂 (@shigeruishiba) December 29, 2024
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of many precious lives due to the airplane accident that occurred in the ROK. On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, I wish to express my sincere condolences for the loss of life and send my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families. My thoughts go out to all those who were injured, and I sincerely hope they will make a swift recovery,” the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan stated.
The news of a plane crash at Muan Airport in the Republic of Korea today is devastating.
Australia’s thoughts and deepest condolences are with the victims and their loved ones.
— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) December 29, 2024
Additionally, David Lammy, the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, and Penny Wong, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, offered their condolences on the tragic accident.
Deeply saddened by news of the plane crash overnight in South Korea.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the people of South Korea and Thailand, and all those that have lost loved ones.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) December 29, 2024
Earlier, the South Korean authorities confirmed that 179 people were killed and two people were rescued out of 181 aboard following a plane crash in South Korea’s Muan region, Yonhap News Agency reported.
The incident occurred on Sunday morning when a Jeju Air passenger jet carrying 175 passengers and six crew members belly-landed and exploded at Muan International Airport, the Yonhap News Agency reported.
With its landing gear not deployed, the aircraft veered off the runway while landing, skidding across the ground, hitting a concrete wall, and bursting into flames. South Korea’s acting President, Choi Sang-mok, declared Muan County a special disaster zone and visited the crash site to direct search operations.
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae further issued an apology and expressed condolences to the victims’ families, taking full responsibility for the incident. The airline has promised full support for the surviving families, including financial assistance, citing its USD 1 billion insurance plan.
