PETALING JAYA: There were no Malaysians on board Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, which veered off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea yesterday, says Wisma Putra.
It said this following confirmation by the Malaysian Embassy in Seoul that there were no Malaysians in the plane crash.
The passenger jet was carrying 181 people in the incident that claimed all but two lives.
“Malaysia extends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims and families affected by the incident, as well as to the people and government of South Korea,” Wisma Putra said in a statement.
It added that Malaysians who require assistance or information are encouraged to contact the Malaysia Embassy in Seoul at No. 129, Dokseodang-ro, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04419, Republic of Korea, phone: +82-2-2077 8600 (general line) / +82-10-8974-8699, e-mail: mwseoul@kln.gov.my.
The flight from Bangkok, with 175 passengers and six crew members, attempted an emergency landing at 9.07am yesterday, possibly due to a landing gear malfunction, according to local media.
Airport authorities said the twin-engine Boeing 737-800 could not reduce its speed by the time it reached the end of the runway and as a result, veered off, crashing into the airport perimeter fences, before bursting into flames.
Meanwhile, the flight recorder from the plane has been recovered, said an official from South Korea’s Land, Infrastructure and Transportation Ministry.
Jeju Air has also apologised to families, and plane manufacturer Boeing offered condolences.
“We sincerely apologise for causing concern,” the airline said in a statement posted on its social media channels.
Boeing said in a statement that it was in touch with Jeju Air and stood “ready to support them”.
South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok, who only took office on Friday, has convened an emergency meeting with Cabinet members to discuss rescue operations, his office said.
“I believe no words of consolation would suffice for the bereaved families who have suffered this tragedy,” said Choi.
“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,” he added.
It is the first fatal accident in the history of Jeju Air, one of South Korea’s largest low-cost carriers, which started operations in 2005.
