SINGAPORE: In a heartfelt response to a tragic air disaster, the Singapore government offered its "deepest condolences" to South Korea after a devastating incident involving a Jeju Air flight. The plane tragically crashed into a wall at Muan International Airport, resulting in the loss of 179 lives on December 29.

In an official statement, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) conveyed its sympathies not only to the South Korean government but also to the grieving families and loved ones of the victims. Fortunately, the MFA reported no Singaporeans were aboard the flight.

The catastrophic event occurred as Jeju Air flight 7C2216 was arriving from Bangkok, Thailand. Shortly after 9 AM local time, the Boeing 737-800 attempted to land but did so without its landing gear engaged. As a result, the aircraft veered off the runway, skidded along the tarmac, and violently crashed into a wall, creating a massive fireball.

Emergency responders reported that two crew members, trapped in the tail section of the burning aircraft, were successfully rescued and are currently receiving medical treatment for injuries ranging from moderate to severe. “We wish the survivors a full recovery,” stated the MFA spokesperson.

Authorities have indicated that a possible bird strike may have initiated the sequence of events leading to this tragic incident, now recognized as the worst aviation disaster in South Korean history. Eyewitness accounts and videos depicted the harrowing scene of the plane landing on its belly, trailing smoke, and then crashing into the wall, where the impact flung many passengers from their seats, drastically reducing their chances of survival.

As the investigation unfolds, both black boxes from the aircraft—the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder—have been recovered, providing crucial information about the events leading up to the crash, as indicated by South Korea’s deputy transport minister, Joo Jong-wan.

In light of this tragedy, questions surrounding aviation safety protocols and bird strike prevention measures will likely come to the forefront, as authorities proceed with a thorough investigation to ensure such a disaster never happens again.