Choi Acting Governor: "Muan Declared Special Disaster Area... Thorough Investigation of Accident Cause"

Choi Sang-mok, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister as well as Minister of Strategy and Finance, declared Muan County in Jeollanam-do a special disaster zone on the 29th following the passenger plane tragedy.

Choe Sang-mok, Acting President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Economy and Finance, is leaving the Government Seoul Office on the morning of the 29th to respond to the aircraft accident at Muan Airport, Jeonnam. / Photo by Yonhap News

In his opening remarks at the 2nd Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting held at Muan County Office on the same day, Acting President Choi stated, "All related agencies will cooperate to make every effort in rescue and damage recovery."

He expressed, "I deeply mourn the many casualties caused by this accident," and added, "I pray for the souls of the deceased and sincerely offer my condolences to the bereaved families."

He continued, "We will concentrate all capabilities on damage recovery and support through the integrated support headquarters established at the site," emphasizing, "All necessary resources are being deployed centered on the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters."

He also added, "We will thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident and prepare measures to prevent recurrence to avoid similar accidents."

The accident occurred at around 9:03 a.m. when Jeju Air flight 7C2216 from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted to land on the runway at Muan Airport but crashed. The aircraft collided with the outer wall of the runway, breaking in half and catching fire.

The aircraft involved was a B737-800, carrying a total of 181 people, including 175 passengers and 6 crew members. Fire authorities began searching from the rear of the aircraft and have rescued 2 people so far. The death toll continues to rise. The officially confirmed number of fatalities is 85.