WELLINGTON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern paid tribute to the victims of the Erebus tragedy on Tuesday, the 38th anniversary of an air crash disaster, saying that she will meet with families to progress a long overdue national memorial.
The Air New Zealand DC-10 crashed into the slopes of Mount Erebus in Antarctica on Nov. 28, 1979, and all 257 people on board the sightseeing flight were killed.
The tragedy is the worst in New Zealand's aviation history, Ardern said, adding that it affected all New Zealanders and a national memorial is "appropriate and overdue."
"This is a tragedy that touched every corner of New Zealand and understandably remains raw for the families and friends of the crew and passengers who died that day. It was a moment in our history when all New Zealanders paused," the prime minister said, adding that a national memorial should be in place by the 40th anniversary in two years' time.
"It's high time we as a nation formally recognized this tragic event," she said, adding that a suitable memorial that honors those who died is a place where all New Zealanders can come to pay their respects and remember this sad event.
