Acting President Choi Sang-mok has declared Muan, South Jeolla Province, a special disaster zone after a Jeju Air plane crashed there with 181 on board.

Choi made the announcement Sunday during a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters in Muan, saying all related agencies will work together on rescue and damage control operations and will exert their best efforts. 

Choi said he is deeply sorry that the crash caused such a large number of casualties and extended his condolences to the victims and their families. 

He said the government will focus all its efforts on damage control and providing support via an integrated support center installed at the crash site. 

He stressed that the government is committing all necessary resources and will work diligently to uncover the cause of the crash and devise measures to prevent a recurrence.