‘Deeply Saddened’: EAM Jaishankar Extends Condolences To South Korea After Muan Air Tragedy

Last Updated:December 29, 2024, 23:58 IST

Jaishankar said India’s thoughts are with people affected by the air tragedy that killed 179.

A Jeju Air passenger plane carrying 181 people crash-landed at South Korea's Muan Airport, killing 179 flyers. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic airplane crash at South Korea’s Muan Airport. The crash, which claimed 179 lives, has been described as the worst aviation disaster in South Korea’s history.

“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 the Republic of Korea at this difficult time," he said in a post in X.

A Jeju Air plane flying from Bangkok to South Korea with 181 people on board crashed on landing Sunday, killing 179 with just two people plucked alive from the wreckage.

The pilot was warned of a bird strike by the control tower, officials said, during its first attempt at landing shortly after 9:00 am (0000 GMT).

Minutes later, the pilot issued a “mayday" warning and tried to land again. Video showed the plane, its landing gear still retracted, attempting a belly landing.

Dramatic video shows the plane skidding along the runway with smoke trailing behind until it slams into a wall at the end and bursts into flames.

“Only the tail part retains a little bit of shape, and the rest of (the plane) looks almost impossible to recognise," Muan fire chief Lee Jung-hyun told a press briefing.

The two crew members, a man and a woman, were rescued from the tail section of the burning plane, Lee said. They were being treated at hospitals with medium to severe injuries, said the head of the local public health centre.

Investigators are examining bird strikes and weather conditions as possible factors, Lee said. Yonhap news agency cited airport authorities as saying a bird strike may have caused the landing gear to malfunction.

Seoul, South Korea

News world ‘Deeply Saddened’: EAM Jaishankar Extends Condolences To South Korea After Muan Air Tragedy