The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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President William Ruto has expressed his sorrow following the devastating Jeju Air crash in South Korea, which resulted in the loss of over 170 lives.
In a deeply empathetic message, President Ruto extended Kenya’s condolences to the families of the victims and the people of South Korea during this tragic period.
“We are heartbroken by the Jeju Air disaster that has taken more than 170 lives. Our hearts go out to the victims’ families and the people of South Korea in this moment of grief,” stated President Ruto.
As of Sunday afternoon, December 29, the death toll from the crash had risen to 177.
There were 181 people aboard the flight, with two survivors who were earlier taken to the hospital.
Witnesses who spoke to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency described seeing sparks and hearing an explosion just before the crash occurred.
Yoo Jae-yong, a 41-year-old resident near the airport, reported seeing a spark on the right wing shortly before the crash.
Kim Yong-cheol, 70, shared that the plane initially failed to land and circled back for another attempt.
Kim mentioned seeing “black smoke rising into the sky” after hearing a loud explosion.
“I saw the plane descending and thought it was about to land when I noticed a flash of light,” said another witness, Cho. “Then there was a loud bang, followed by smoke in the air, and a series of explosions.”
In response, Acting President Choi Sang-mok held an emergency meeting in Seoul on Sunday and quickly declared Muan a special disaster zone.
