SINGAPORE: The Singapore government has expressed its “deepest condolences” to the South Korean government following a devastating incident where a Jeju Air plane crashed into a wall at Muan Airport, resulting in the tragic loss of 179 lives. Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson issued a heartfelt message conveying condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
“There were no reports of Singaporeans on board the flight,” the MFA spokesperson confirmed.
The fatal crash occurred when Jeju Air flight 7C2216, carrying 181 passengers from Bangkok, attempted to land at South Korea’s Muan International Airport on Sunday. The plane landed without its wheels, veering off the runway and bursting into flames upon impact with a wall.
Two crew members, one male and one female, were rescued from the burning aircraft’s tail section and are currently receiving treatment for their medium to severe injuries. The MFA spokesperson offered well wishes for the swift recovery of the survivors.
According to authorities, a bird strike is suspected to have triggered the catastrophic crash, marking it as South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster. The violent collision with the wall resulted in passengers being thrown out of the aircraft, with the plane sustaining severe damage and exploding into flames.
“Passengers were ejected from the aircraft after it collided with the wall, leaving little chance of survival,” a local fire official informed families during a briefing.
Deputy transport minister Joo Jong-wan confirmed that both black boxes – the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder – have been recovered, providing crucial insights into the tragic incident.
