World leaders mourn South Korean plane crash that kills 179

Global leaders expressed their condolences on Sunday following South Korea’s deadliest airplane crash, which claimed 179 lives. A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 burst into flames after skidding off the runway at Muan International Airport, leaving only two survivors.

As grieving relatives gathered at the airport, messages of sympathy poured in from across the world.

China 'shocked,' Iran and Turkey offer condolences

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his sorrow in a message to South Korea's acting president, Choi Sang-mok. "I express our deep condolences to the victims, sincere sympathy for the victims' families, and wish those injured a speedy recovery," Xi said, as quoted by China’s state broadcaster CCTV.

Iran’s foreign ministry also offered condolences to South Korea and Thailand, the flight’s point of origin, which lost two nationals in the crash. "We send our sympathy to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery for the injured," said spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shared his grief in a social media post, describing the incident as a "tragic plane crash." "We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash that occurred at Muan International Airport in our friend, the Republic of Korea," Erdogan said.

EU and European leaders 'heartbroken'

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her heartbreak over the tragedy, saying, "As your partner, Europe stands with you in this time of grief."

France’s foreign ministry shared its "great emotion" at the "terrible toll," offering condolences to affected families. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called the crash "an incredible loss and pain" and referred to it as "yet another blow to the nation’s heart," citing South Korea’s recent political turmoil.

Greece’s foreign ministry conveyed sorrow via social media, extending condolences "during this difficult time." Spain’s foreign ministry called the crash a "terrible accident," offering solidarity with the victims and their families. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed "disbelief" at the tragedy, describing the scenes as "horrific."

As the sovereign of the Vatican City, Pope Francis addressed worshippers at the Vatican, and said he joins "in prayer for the survivors and the dead." The pontiff expressed solidarity with grieving families, calling it a "dramatic plane crash."

IATA 'shocked and saddened'

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also issued a statement. "We are shocked and saddened by the accident involving Jeju Air flight 7C2216. Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, crew, and their loved ones," it said.

The tragedy has united the global community in mourning as investigators work to uncover the cause of the disaster.