Acting President Choi Sang-mok arrived at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters at 9:50 a.m. Sunday, following a deadly plane crash at Muan International Airport.
Choi issued an emergency directive to prioritize the rescue and safety of all passengers.
“All available equipment and personnel must be mobilized to focus on rescue operations,” Choi instructed, addressing the acting minister of the interior and safety, the minister of land, infrastructure, and transport, the commissioner of the National Fire Agency, and the acting Commissioner of the Korean National Police Agency.
Choi also emphasized the importance of ensuring safety during the rescue process. “Special attention must be given to prevent any safety incidents involving firefighters or rescue personnel during the operation,” he said.
The accident occurred when the Jeju Air flight from Bangkok, Thailand, overshot the runway during landing. Emergency services have reported 28 deaths so far. Rescue efforts are underway.
The acting safety minister also ordered extra caution in the rescue process, adding that all personnel would be mobilized to cooperate with the South Jeolla Province and Muan-gun administrations.
jychoi@heraldcorp.com
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