Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the tragic plane crash at South Korea’s Muan International Airport, which claimed the lives of 85 people.
In a statement on Sunday, PM Shehbaz extended his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and the South Korean people and government.
“Deeply saddened to learn about the tragic plane crash at Muan International Airport in Korea resulting in the loss of so many precious lives. In this hour of grief, our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and with the people and government of the Republic of Korea,” the Prime Minister remarked.
The accident occurred at 9:03 am local time (00:03 GMT) when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 flight from Bangkok skidded off the runway and caught fire.
The plane carried 175 passengers and six crew members. Tragically, 85 victims, including 46 women and 39 men, perished in the blaze. Two people, a crew member and a passenger, survived but remain in critical condition.
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Eyewitnesses reported the aircraft making a belly landing before erupting into flames, followed by a series of explosions. Thick black smoke engulfed the area as rescue teams worked tirelessly to contain the fire and search for survivors.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, with a potential landing gear malfunction and a bird strike cited as possible factors.
