External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed profound sorrow over the devastating airplane crash at South Korea’s Muan International Airport, which resulted in the loss of more than 170 lives.
In a post on X, Jaishankar stated:
“Deeply saddened by the tragic airplane crash at the Muan International Airport. Extend condolences to the bereaved families. Our thoughts are with the people of Republic of Korea at this difficult time.”
Earlier reports from South Korea confirmed that 179 people lost their lives, while two individuals were rescued from a total of 181 onboard. The accident occurred on Sunday morning when a Jeju Air passenger jet, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, belly-landed and exploded at the airport, according to Yonhap News Agency.
The aircraft veered off the runway during landing, with its landing gear failing to deploy. It skidded across the ground, struck a concrete wall, and burst into flames.
The two survivors, both crew members, were promptly transported to Seoul hospitals after receiving initial medical care.
Yonhap News Agency noted that this tragedy is now the deadliest aviation disaster on South Korean soil and the third most fatal involving a South Korean airline.
A South Korean firefighting agency official remarked:
“The aircraft has almost completely been destroyed, and it is difficult to identify the deceased… We are in the process of recovering the remains, which will take time.”
Investigators are exploring the possibility of a bird strike causing the landing gear failure, which may have triggered the crash. Authorities have recovered the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder to assist in the investigation.
South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok declared Muan County a special disaster zone and visited the crash site to oversee search and recovery efforts.
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae issued a formal apology, extending condolences to the victims’ families and taking full responsibility for the tragedy. He also pledged comprehensive support for affected families, highlighting the airline’s USD 1 billion insurance plan.
“Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the CEO,” Kim stated.