The Government of Sri Lanka has conveyed its heartfelt condolences to South Korea following the tragic crash of Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 at Muan Airport on Today (29), which claimed the lives of over 160 passengers.
In an official statement, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and injuries caused by the incident.
“The Government of Sri Lanka conveys heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident. May they find fortitude to overcome this loss,” the statement read.
The Ministry also wished for the swift recovery of those injured, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers will remain with those injured for a full and speedy recovery.”
Reports from foreign media indicate that, of the 181 people aboard the Jeju Air flight from Bangkok, all but two are presumed dead.
The aircraft crashed while attempting an emergency landing at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning, with rescue teams continuing their search through the wreckage. Two survivors, one passenger and one crew member, were rescued from the tail section and are receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.
The Boeing 737-800 attempted a belly landing around 9:03 a.m. local time after its landing gear reportedly failed to deploy. Witnesses described hearing loud “bang” noises before the aircraft struck the airport’s perimeter wall, breaking into two pieces and bursting into flames. international media reported a possible bird strike incident as the plane descended.
If the death toll is confirmed, this will be South Korea’s worst domestic civil aviation disaster and the first major casualty event involving a low-cost carrier in the country’s history. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
