UN Chief saddened by crash landing of plane in San Francisco airport

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed sadness over Saturday’s crash landing of an Asiana aircraft in San Francisco, California, sending condolences to those affected by the accident that reportedly killed two teenagers and injured scores of others.

According to media reports, a Boeing 777 plane of the Republic of Korea’s airline hit a seawall on the landing approach to the San Francisco airport, which caused its tail to come off, bounce along the tarmac and burst into flames. Two Chinese teenage girls died, and more than 180 people were injured.

Asiana airlines reportedly said most passengers were Chinese, Korean or United States citizens.

“The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences and sympathy to the families who lost their loved ones, injured and all those affected by the accident,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement issued on Sunday.

“His thoughts go to the Government and people of the Republic of Korea. At the same time, he also conveys his sympathy to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China, homes to most of the casualties.”

Mr. Ban also said he appreciated the quick and effective response by the United States authorities that helped minimize the casualties.