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PM Wong saddened by Jeju Air plane crash, says Singapore stands in solidarity with South Korea.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said he was deeply saddened by the Jeju Air plane crash in South Korea, which led to the loss of 179 souls on Dec 29.
In a Facebook post on Dec 30, Mr Wong said: “My thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the victims in this heartbreaking tragedy.
“The tragedy is a stark reminder of how fragile life can be. As we get together this festive season, let us cherish the time we have with those we hold dear, and treasure the moments we have with one another.”
He added that Singapore stands in solidarity with the people of South Korea and those impacted by the loss.
“May we find strength in unity and compassion in this time of grief,” he said.
Of the 181 people on board, all were South Koreans, except for two Thai nationals.
The two survivors were flight attendants.
In a statement late on Dec 29, the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) conveyed its condolences following the tragedy.
“The Singapore Government is saddened by the news of the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 on Dec 29, 2024,” said MFA.
“We convey our deepest condolences to the government of the Republic of Korea and to the families and loved ones of those that have perished. We wish the survivors a full recovery.”
MFA added that there were no reports of Singaporeans on board the flight.
The flight was carrying passengers from the Thai capital Bangkok to Muan in South Korea’s South Jeolla province.
The plane had burst into flames during its landing at the Muan International Airport. Following a failed first attempt at landing, it made a second attempt but its landing gear failed to lower and it slid along the runway on its belly. The plane then smashed into a wall and caught fire.
The 179 deaths mark the highest number of casualties in an aircraft accident in South Korea. The previous record was 66 fatalities in a 1993 crash involving an Asiana Airlines flight in Haenam.
The cause of the crash in Muan is under investigation, but authorities believe a bird strike and bad weather are to blame.
