The Chinese government expresses "heartfelt condolences" to all
victims of the crash accident of the Air China Flight 129 to the
Republic of Korea (ROK) and extends sympathy and solicitude to
their family members, according to the Chinese Foreign
Ministry.
Relevant Chinese departments will take all possible measures to
handle the issue, the ministry's spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said.
According to Zhang, the Chinese Foreign Ministry immediately
contacted with the ROK side on details of the accident.
The Chinese embassy and consulate in ROK and the Seoul
representative office of the General Administration of Civil
Aviation of China (CAAC) have sent staff to the spot, Zhang
said.
Chinese President Jiang Zemin, who is in Abujia on a state visit to
Nigeria, expressed condolence over the losses of lives in the
crash, and asked relevant departments to properly deal with the
aftermath of the accident.
Jiang also demanded relevant authorities make all-out rescue
efforts and extended deep sympathy to families of the victims.
South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung also expressed condolences to
the families of victims in the crash, and demanded all-out rescue
efforts in dealing with the deadly air disaster.
Flight CA129 crashed into an apartment building near Pusan airport
amid foggy weather and poor visibility at 11:40 (local time). A
total of 166 people, including 135 Korean, 19 Chinese and 11 crew
members, were on board. The number of survivors from the aviation
accident stood at 49 so far.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation. And rescue
efforts, being hampered by rugged terrain in the woody area, are
underway despite of foggy and rainy weather.
(China.org.cn edited from Xinhua news April 15, 2002)