Global Leaders Offer Condolences Following Fatal Plane Crash in South Korea

Seoul, Dec 30 (NationPress) Global leaders have conveyed their condolences and support to South Korea following the devastating airplane crash in Muan that resulted in over 170 fatalities.

In a statement released by the White House, US President Joe Biden expressed his sorrow over the incident and affirmed support for South Korea.

"Jill and I are profoundly saddened to hear of the loss of life stemming from the Jeju Airlines incident in Muan, South Korea. As loyal allies, the American populace shares strong ties of friendship with the South Korean community, and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this tragedy. The US is prepared to offer any necessary assistance," stated the White House.

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru conveyed his condolences to the grieving families on behalf of the Japanese government and its people.

"I am heartbroken over the loss of so many precious lives due to the airplane incident that occurred in South Korea. On behalf of the government and the populace of Japan, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences for the lives lost and extend my deepest sympathies to the grieving families. My thoughts are with all those injured, and I sincerely hope for their swift recovery," the statement from the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan proclaimed.

India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, also articulated deep sorrow regarding the plane crash.

David Lammy, the UK's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, alongside Penny Wong, Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, conveyed their sympathies following the tragic event.

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed being "shocked" upon learning of the crash in a message to South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok.

"I extend our profound condolences to the victims, sincere sympathy to the victims' families, and wish for a speedy recovery for the injured," he stated, as reported by China's state broadcaster CCTV.

In a statement released late on December 29, a spokesperson for Singapore's Foreign Affairs Ministry remarked: "The Singapore Government is saddened by the news of the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 on December 29, 2024. We express our deepest condolences to the government of South Korea and the families of those who lost their lives. We wish the survivors a full recovery."

"We are in communication with the South Korean authorities, and there are no reports of Singaporeans aboard the flight."

EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen expressed her heartbreak upon seeing images of the crash in Muan.

"As your partner, Europe stands with you during this period of mourning," said the President of the European Commission.

Pope Francis, who visited South Korea a decade ago, told worshippers at the Vatican that he joins "in prayer for the survivors and the deceased."

"My thoughts are with the numerous families in South Korea who are grieving today following the tragic plane crash," Pope Francis stated.

France's Foreign Ministry expressed that Paris learned "with great emotion the terrible toll" and sends condolences to the affected families.

Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier mentioned that the crash is "yet another blow to the nation's heart" after a "challenging time" -- referring to weeks of political turmoil in Seoul.

"This is an incredible loss and profound pain" for the friends and families of those who perished, Steinmeier remarked.

Greece's Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed being "profoundly saddened by the tragic incident," extending condolences "during this difficult time."

Earlier, South Korean authorities confirmed that 179 individuals had died, with two individuals rescued among the 181 aboard following a plane crash in South Korea's Muan region, according to Yonhap news agency.

The incident transpired on Sunday morning when a Jeju Air passenger jet, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, belly-landed and exploded at Muan International Airport, as reported by Yonhap.

The aircraft veered off the runway while attempting to land, with its landing gear not deployed, skidding across the ground, colliding with a concrete wall, and igniting into flames.

South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok declared Muan County a special disaster zone and visited the crash site to oversee search efforts.

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae issued an apology and extended condolences to the families of the victims, accepting full responsibility for the incident.

The airline has committed to providing full support for the families of the survivors, including financial assistance, due to its $1 billion insurance plan.

"Regardless of the cause, I accept complete responsibility as the CEO," Kim stated.