Chinese leader Xi Jinping has ordered an all-out search and rescue efforts after a passenger plane with 132 people aboard crashed in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Monday afternoon.

Mr Jinping said he was shocked to learn about the incident involving China Eastern Airlines flight MU5735.

He ordered the immediate launch of an emergency response, all-out search and rescue efforts and the proper settlement of the aftermath.

Mr Jinping also ordered swift action to be taken to identify the cause of the crash and strengthen the safety overhaul of the civil aviation sector to ensure the absolute safety of the sector and people’s lives.

Premier Li Keqiang urged that efforts should be made to console the families of the victims and provide them with assistance.

He said accurate information should be released in a timely manner, conduct a serious probe into the incident, and take strong measures to strengthen the safety of civil aviation.

Work teams have been dispatched to the scene, and rescue forces from Guangxi and neighboring Guangdong Province have also been mobilised.

(Xinhua/NAN)