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| ▲ Acting President Choi Sang-mok leaves a government building in central Seoul on Dec. 29, 2024, after holding an emergency meeting on a plane crash at Muan International Airport in Muan, 288 kilometers south of Seoul. (Yonhap) |
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| ▲ Firefighters carry out rescue operations at Muan International Airport in Muan, 288 kilometers southwest of Seoul, on Dec. 29, 2024, after a passenger plane with 181 people aboard crashed. (Yonhap) |
(LEAD) acting president-plane crash
(LEAD) Acting president orders all-out efforts for rescue operations at Muan plane crash
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SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Sunday ordered related government agencies to make all-out efforts for rescue operations following a deadly plane crash at an airport in the southwestern county of Muan.
Choi issued the instruction after arriving at Muan International Airport, located 288 kilometers southwest of Seoul, hours after the crash of a Jeju Air flight carrying 181 passengers at 9:07 a.m., which has resulted in dozens of confirmed deaths so far.
During the visit, the acting president ordered related agencies to utilize all available equipment, personnel and infrastructure to "save even one more life," his office said.
"I believe no words of consolation will be enough for the families who have suffered such a tragedy," Choi said, noting that government agencies are working closely to respond to the accident.
"The government will spare no effort in supporting the bereaved families," the acting president added.
Choi also stressed the need for extra caution to ensure the safety of firefighters during the rescue operation, his office said.
Choi, meanwhile, has been serving as acting president since Friday, after the National Assembly voted to impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was suspended less than two weeks after assuming the role from President Yoon Suk Yeol on Dec. 14.
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