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)