Church Leaders Share Grief Over Plane Crash Casualties
Church leaders in South Korea have offered their heartfelt condolences following a tragic plane crash in the country’s southwest that claimed the lives of at least 179 people. The crash involved Jeju Air flight 7C2216, which was en route from Bangkok, Thailand, and occurred while attempting to land at Muan International Airport. Disturbing footage of the incident revealed the Boeing 737-800 sliding off the runway before crashing into a wall and erupting into flames. The flight had 181 passengers on board, mostly South Koreans, with two Thai nationals among them. Two crew members managed to survive and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Rev. Kim Jong-hyeok, Chairman of the National Council of Churches in Korea, expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and survivors, urging the public to offer prayers for all affected. He also called for churches across South Korea to unite in prayer and for the government to take swift and effective action to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future.
International leaders, including U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, also conveyed their sympathies. Lammy shared a message on social media, offering support to both the South Korean and Thai people and expressing solidarity with those mourning the loss of loved ones in the disaster.
In response to the crash, Boeing pledged its full support to Jeju Air in handling the aftermath, offering condolences to the victims’ families and committing to assist with the ongoing situation. Jeju Air also issued a public apology, deeply regretting the heartbreaking incident and vowing to take every possible step to address the crisis and support those impacted.