Church Leaders Call for Prayer after Deadly Plane Crash in South Korea

Church Leaders in South Korea have expressed their condolences following a plane crash in the country's Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday, killing at least 179 people. According to online footage, Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed as it attempted to land on the runway following its flight from Thailand. The plane skidded on the landing and ultimately crashed into a wall and burst into flames. 

At least 179 people, which consisted mainly of South Koreans with the exception of two Thai Nationals, were killed. Meanwhile, two crew members were the only survivors of the crash and were taken to a hospital.

🚨BREAKING: Video shows crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 in South Korea. 181 people on board pic.twitter.com/0tNmdZSaRr

— Planesanity (@planesanity) December 29, 2024

In a statement by The National Council of Churches in Korea, Chairman Rev. Kim Jong-hyeok, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and survivors and asked churches across the country to pray for all those affected. 

"We pray for God's great comfort for the bereaved families and the injured who have suffered great sorrow due to this accident," he said.

"We urge churches across the country to pray together and the government and relevant officials to quickly handle the accident and come up with measures to prevent a recurrence."

U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy also released a statement saying that he was "deeply saddened" by the news.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to the people of South Korea and Thailand, and all those that have lost loved ones," Lammy wrote on X. 

As reported by The Christian Post, both Boeing and Jeju Air released statements following the crash.

"We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew," Boeing said. 

In Jeju Air's statement, the airline said, "We deeply apologize to all those affected by the incident. We will make every effort to resolve the situation. We sincerely regret the distress caused."

Photo Credit: © Getty Images/YONHAP/AFP 

Originally published December 30, 2024.