 |
| ▲ This message from Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing is captured from his X account. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
(LEAD) Chinese envoy-plane crash
(LEAD) China's top envoy extends condolences over deadly plane crash
(ATTN: UPDATES with more info in paras 5-7)
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing expressed condolences on Sunday to the victims of the deadly plane crash at an airport in the southwestern county of Muan, which left at least 124 people dead, and their families.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash at Muan Airport today," the ambassador wrote on the social media platform X.
"My heartfelt condolences go out to the victims and their families, and I extend on behalf of my colleagues our sympathies to those injured," he said.
The Chinese Embassy stands "in solidarity" with South Korea during this difficult time, Dai also said.
The Taipei Mission in South Korea and British Embassy in Seoul also extended their condolences.
"Deepest condolences to the families of those who perished in this morning's dreadful air accident at Muan," British Ambassador to South Korea Colin Crooks said.
The death toll has risen to 124 from the crash that happened at 9:07 a.m. when the Jeju Air flight veered off the runway while attempting a crash landing and collided with a fence at the airport in the Muan county, about 288 kilometers southwest of Seoul.
Authorities presumed a landing gear malfunction likely caused the accident.
(END)
(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved
