Global Leaders Offer Their Condolences Following South Korea's Deadly Plane Crash

Seoul, Dec 30 (NationPress) Global leaders have conveyed their condolences and solidarity with South Korea following the devastating airplane crash in Muan, which resulted in more than 170 fatalities.

In a statement issued by the White House, US President Joe Biden expressed his sorrow regarding the incident and assured support to South Korea.

"Jill and I are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of life resulting from the Jeju Airlines incident in Muan, South Korea. As close allies, the American people share a deep friendship with the South Korean people, and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this calamity. The US is prepared to offer any necessary assistance," the White House statement noted.

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru extended sympathies to the grieving families on behalf of the government and people of Japan.

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of numerous lives due to the airplane accident in South Korea. On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, I wish to convey my sincere condolences for the lives lost and my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families. My thoughts are with those injured, and I genuinely hope for their swift recovery," the statement from the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan declared.

India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, also expressed profound sorrow regarding the airplane crash.

David Lammy, the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, along with Penny Wong, Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, both offered their condolences for the tragic incident.

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his shock upon learning about the crash in a message to South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok.

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

A statement from Singapore's Foreign Affairs Ministry released late on December 29 mentioned: "The Singapore Government is saddened by the news of the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 on December 29, 2024. We extend our deepest condolences to the government of South Korea and to the families and loved ones of the deceased. We wish the survivors a full recovery."

"We are in contact with South Korean authorities, and there have been no reports of Singaporeans on board the flight."

EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen mentioned she was "heartbroken" upon seeing images of the plane crash in Muan.

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

Pope Francis, who visited South Korea a decade earlier, 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," stated Pope Francis.

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 remarked that the crash is "yet another blow to the nation's heart" amid "a challenging period," referring to weeks of political unrest in Seoul.

"This is an immense loss and sorrow" for the friends and families of the victims, Steinmeier added.

Greece's Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed its deep sadness over the tragic event, extending condolences "during this challenging time."

Earlier, South Korean authorities confirmed that 179 individuals lost their lives, and two were rescued out of 181 people aboard the aircraft following the crash in Muan, according to Yonhap news agency.

The incident occurred on Sunday morning when a Jeju Air passenger jet, with 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 landing, with its landing gear not deployed, skidding across the ground, striking 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 oversee search operations.

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae issued a public apology and expressed condolences to the families of the victims, taking full responsibility for the incident.

The airline has committed to providing full support for the surviving families, including financial aid, citing its $1 billion insurance plan.

"Irrespective of the cause, I accept full responsibility as the CEO," Kim stated.