RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed the Kingdom’s condolences to the Republic of Korea over the plane crash that claimed the lives of at least 179 people.
The ministry in a statement on Sunday expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and the government and people of Korea.
It wished the injured a speedy recovery and continued safety to the people of Korea.
According to Korea’s National Fire Agency the plane caught fire after skidding off a runway and crashing at an airport in South Korea’s Muan city.
At least 179 people are dead after a plane crashed while landing at an airport in South Korea. Two survivors were pulled from the debris and taken to hospital. The plane was reportedly flying back from Bangkok in Thailand.
181 people on board
BBC reported that the Boeing 737-800 flight – operated by airline Jeju Air – had 181 people on board including six flight staff. Families of the victims congregated at the airport as officials continued to search the wreckage.
Read also: At Least 176 Killed In South Korea Plane Crash
Footage online appears to show the plane coming off the runway and crashing into a wall, before bursting into flames.
Unknown cause
No cause has been confirmed – but the fire service says it believes a collision with birds and poor weather may be to blame.
Unverified footage uploaded to social media shows the aircraft skidding off the runway and crashing into a wall before part of it bursts into flames.
Other footage shows a large plume of black smoke rising into the sky.
