South Korea’s Acting President Choi Sang-mok visited Muan International Airport a few hours after the plane crash in which 179 people on board have been confirmed dead.
It is the first major crisis he has faced in his new job. He has declared the place a special disaster zone.
The plane crash comes after a period of political unrest in the country. Choi Sang-mok took over the role after impeachment proceedings were launched against his predecessor who in turn took over from President Yoon in mid-December.
Yoon, who has also lamented the accident, has faced impeachment after he imposed martial law in the country within hours, sparking widespread criticism.
South Korea’s Transport Minister Park Sang-Woo also expressed his support for the bereaved families at a press conference.
– The government will deploy all resources, he says.
The airline’s CEO: Feels a great responsibility
In a statement barely four hours after the accident, Jeju Air apologized to the families of those affected.
The airline’s CEO Kim E-bae says during a press conference that it will do everything in its power to provide support to the victims’ relatives and that the cause will be determined when the relevant authorities have completed their investigations.
– Regardless of the reason, as CEO, I feel a great responsibility for this incident, he says.
According to Jeju Air, the aircraft, which has been in service for 15 years, has not been involved in any previous accidents. Before the accident, no mechanical faults had been noted.
– Once again, we pray for those who lost their lives in this accident and apologize to their grieving families, says Kim E-bae.
Thai Airline Operator: No abnormal conditions
The aircraft was a Boeing 737-800 model. In a press release, Boeing expresses its condolences and announces that it is in contact with Jeju Air and is ready to support the airline.
Two of the passengers are said to have been Thai nationals, according to Yonhap. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has also expressed his condolences to the victims on social media.
Kerati Kijmanawat, director of Airports of Thailand, also expresses his condolences. He says there were no reports of abnormal conditions when the flight departed from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, according to The Guardian.