South Korea is grappling with grief after its deadliest airplane crash claimed the lives of 179 people at Muan International Airport on Sunday. Only two passengers survived when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 skidded off the runway and collided with a wall, igniting a devastating fire. The crash has left the nation and the world in mourning, with leaders across the globe expressing their condolences and support.
Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed his shock and sorrow in a message to South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, offering deep condolences to the victims’ families and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. Similarly, European Commission President Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen expressed heartbreak, reaffirming Europe’s solidarity with South Korea during this difficult time.
Pope Francis joined the global chorus of sympathy, offering prayers for the victims and their families during his address at the Vatican. Leaders from France, Germany, and Greece also extended their condolences, with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier describing the incident as “an incredible loss” that adds to the nation’s ongoing struggles.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei Hamaneh extended condolences to the families of the victims, particularly noting the presence of two Thai nationals on board. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed his nation’s solidarity with South Korea, while Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement conveying the kingdom’s sympathy for the victims’ families and the South Korean government.
United Nations Secretary-General António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres expressed deep sadness, emphasizing his solidarity with South Korea and wishing a swift recovery for the injured. The International Air Transport Association, which represents over 340 airlines, shared its shock and sadness, stating that its thoughts and prayers were with the passengers, crew, and their loved ones.
Spain, Turkey, and Serbia also expressed profound sorrow. Spanish officials described the crash as a “terrible accident,” while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended his condolences to the people of South Korea. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic conveyed disbelief and grief, adding that the scenes from the crash site were deeply unsettling.
This tragic event, involving a plane that had departed from Thailand, has left the world mourning alongside South Korea. As the nation begins to process the immense loss, international leaders and organizations continue to offer their unwavering support in the wake of this heartbreaking disaster.
