A 7-day national mourning period has been declared following the plane crash in South Korea that claimed the lives of 179 people.

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179 of the 181 people on board the plane that crashed into a wall while landing at Musan International Airport in Muan, South Korea, lost their lives. Following the accident, which has been described as the "deadliest accident" in the country since 2002, the South Korean government declared a 7-day national mourning period.

FLAGS WILL BE AT HALF-MAST IN THE COUNTRY

During the mourning period, flags will be flown at half-mast at government and official buildings. Civil servants will wear black ribbons in memory of the deceased citizens. Authorities stated that the ages of the passengers who lost their lives in the accident ranged from 3 to 78, with most being in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. It was noted that most of the passengers, except for 2 Thai nationals, were South Korean, and so far, the identities of 22 deceased individuals have been confirmed.

BLACK BOXES FOUND

In a statement made by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, it was reported that during the operations conducted in the area where the plane crashed, black boxes containing both flight and voice recordings were found, and these black boxes would assist in the investigation into the cause of the accident.

CONDOLENCE MESSAGES FROM WORLD LEADERS TO SOUTH KOREA

Following the accident, condolence messages came from world leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in a statement on social media, saying, "We received the news of a terrible plane crash in South Korea that resulted in numerous deaths. I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured."

Chinese President Xi Jinping also extended his condolences to South Korea. In a condolence message sent to South Korea's Acting President Choi Sang-mok, the Chinese President stated, "On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I send my deepest condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives in the accident and wish a speedy recovery to the injured."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also stated, "We received the tragic news of the accident at Muan International Airport, which caused numerous casualties. Every lost life is an immeasurable tragedy. On behalf of the Ukrainian people and myself, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the grieving families, the Korean people, and Acting President Choi Sang-mok of South Korea. We share your pain and stand by the Korean people in these sorrowful days."

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressed her condolences, stating, "I was very saddened when I saw the images of the plane crash in Muan. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and to all of the Republic of Korea. Europe stands by you in this sorrowful day."

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also stated in his message, "I learned with deep sadness about the plane crash that occurred in South Korea last night. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the people of South Korea and Thailand and to everyone who has lost loved ones."