Two Koreans Onboard
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Activates Overseas Korean Protection Task Force
[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that two Koreans were among the passengers on the passenger plane that crashed in Nepal on the 15th (local time). The Ministry dispatched a consular cooperation officer to the accident site and activated the Overseas Korean Protection Task Force at headquarters.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the same day, "We are verifying the exact boarding status and damage situation of the passengers." The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal also reported, "There are two Koreans on the passenger list of the aircraft, and we are confirming the specific boarding status and identities."
According to the Embassy of Nepal, the ATR72 aircraft operated by Nepal's Yeti Airlines, which took off from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, in the morning, crashed near Pokhara Airport, the destination. There were 72 people on board, including 68 passengers and 4 crew members.
Foreign media reported that among the 72 passengers, there were 2 Koreans, 5 Indians, 4 Russians, and others. Nepalese authorities are conducting rescue operations using helicopters and other means, and more than 40 bodies have been recovered at the accident site.
The exact cause of the accident has not yet been determined. Indian local media reported that all 72 passengers on the aircraft are presumed dead, but a senior official in the Kaski district told AFP, "So far, 29 bodies have been recovered, and some survivors have been sent to hospitals for treatment."
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