The Federal Government has expressed sympathy with the Government and people of South Korea following the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216, which led to the death of about 179 passengers.

In a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa in Abuja on Sunday, the Federal Government conveyed its condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with South Korea.

Firefighters and rescue personnel work near the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on December 29, 2024. – A Jeju Air plane carrying 181 people from Bangkok to South Korea crashed on arrival December 29, colliding with a barrier and bursting into flames, with only two survivors rescued so far and 120 confirmed dead. (Photo by JUNG YEON-JE / AFP)

The crash occurred on Sunday, December 29, 2024, when the Boeing 737-800, returning from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted to land at Muan International Airport in southern South Korea.

The plane skidded off the runway and collided with a wall, resulting in a fiery explosion. Out of the 181 passengers and crew on board, 179 lost their lives, leaving only two survivors.

The Nigerian Government described the crash as a tragic loss and reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the South Korean people.

Rescue personnel work at the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on December 29, 2024. – A Jeju Air plane carrying 181 people from Bangkok to South Korea crashed on arrival on December 29, authorities told AFP, with 29 confirmed dead and dramatic video showing the aircraft bursting into flames. (Photo by YONHAP / AFP) / – South Korea OUT / NO USE AFTER JANUARY 8, 2025 04:43:07 GMT – – SOUTH KOREA OUT / NO ARCHIVES – RESTRICTED TO SUBSCRIPTION USE

“The Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to express her sincere condolences to the Government and People of the Republic of Korea for the unfortunate crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 that occurred on Sunday, December 29th, 2024.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria sympathises with the Government of South Korea and the families of the victims of the deadly plane crash,” the statement read.