On Sunday, India expressed its “deep sadness” over the jet crash in Muan, South Korea, which has claimed the lives of at least 176 people.
In a post on X, Amit Kumar, India’s ambassador, said to Seoul, “Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic plane crash at Muan airport today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to bereaved family members. The Indian Embassy stands in solidarity with the people & government of RoK in this difficult hour”.
How South Korea plane crashed?
A 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 passenger airliner was returning from Bangkok when its landing gear allegedly failed to deploy, causing the plane to lose control upon landing. After skidding off the runway, the aircraft crashed into the concrete fence and caught fire.
The plane’s landing gear was still closed when it tried to land on the runway, according to the disaster footage. The plane was enveloped in flames after the impact of the crash with the wall caused an explosion.
At least 176 people have died so far, according to South Korea’s fire department, including 83 women, 82 men, and 11 individuals whose genders were not immediately apparent.
Tragedy amid political crises
The aviation disaster coincides with the nation’s political turmoil, which was brought on by the declaration of martial law by now-impeached President Yoon.
Choi Sang-mok, the acting president of South Korea, called an urgent cabinet meeting to talk about rescue efforts.
Choi stated, “The entire government is working closely together to manage the aftermath of the accident, dedicating all available resources, while making every effort to ensure thorough support for the bereaved families. I believe no words of consolation would suffice for the bereaved families who have suffered this tragedy”.
A task force has been established by Yoon’s ruling People Power party to look into the crash and assist families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The party head, Kweon Seong-dong, pledged to accompany task force members to the disaster scene on Monday in order to “examine accident response measures and prevention strategies.”
Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the opposition Democratic party, has left for Muan and intends to remain there forever to assist with rescue operations. The leader of the party’s South Jeolla unit, Joo Cheol-hyeon, is in charge of the emergency reaction committee that the party has established.
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