Nigeria Expresses Condolences to South Korea Over Fatal Jeju Air Flight 2216 Crash.
By Caroline Ameh
The Federal Republic of Nigeria has extended heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of Korea following the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 on Sunday, December 29, 2024.
The ill-fated Boeing 737-800, operated by Jeju Air, was en route from Bangkok, Thailand, when it crash-landed at Muan International Airport in South Korea’s southern region. Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft skidded off the runway during adverse weather conditions, colliding with a concrete wall and erupting into flames. The crash resulted in the loss of 179 lives out of the 181 passengers and crew onboard, leaving only two survivors in critical condition.
Emergency response teams, including firefighters, paramedics, and aviation experts, rushed to the crash site, battling the inferno to rescue survivors and recover bodies. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, with early speculations pointing to severe turbulence and potential mechanical failure.
The Nigerian government, through Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conveyed its sympathies. “Nigeria mourns with South Korea during this difficult time and offers prayers for the families of the victims and the recovery of the survivors,” the statement read.
The crash, one of South Korea’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent years, has sparked global discussions on airline safety protocols and emergency preparedness. Aviation experts and officials from Jeju Air have pledged full cooperation with ongoing investigations to prevent future occurrences.
South Korea has declared a national day of mourning, with memorial services being held across the country. World leaders have also expressed their solidarity with South Korea during this tragic period.
For the families of the victims, support services and crisis hotlines have been established to provide counseling and assistance. The survivors remain under intensive medical care as they fight for recovery.
