On Saturday, July 6, Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crashed while landing in San Francisco, leading to two deaths and more than 100 injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation into the cause of the tragedy.

The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) issued a statement in response to the crash:

“This event makes us pause. Regardless of carrier or country borders, events such as this call instant attention to our common bond with other Flight Attendants and those who serve in our industry. The safety and security of our flights is our highest priority as we look after each other and the passengers in our care. This is the primary purpose of our job, our training and our certification. Events such as these shed a sober light on our critical contribution to air travel. As we wait for word on the well-being of our flying partners and the passengers on Flight 214, we honor the courageous actions of the Asiana Flight Attendants who clearly saved lives. If possible, we submit even greater vigilance to our duties as safety professionals for our airline and our industry.”

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) also issued a response:

“Our thoughts are with the passengers and crew of Asiana Airlines Flight 214, which crashed upon landing at San Francisco International Airport earlier today.”

“As with all airline incidents and accidents, there is an established and proven process overseen by the National Transportation Safety Board. The Air Line Pilots Association supports this investigative process and will continue to monitor the situation.”

This article was originally printed on AFL-CIO on July 8, 2013.  Reprinted with permission.

About the Author: Kenneth Quinnell is a long-time blogger, campaign staffer and political activist whose writings have appeared on AFL-CIO, Daily Kos, Alternet, the Guardian Online, Media Matters for America, Think Progress, Campaign for America’s Future and elsewhere.