UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Sunday expressed his deepest condolences over the deaths and injuries from Saturday's crash landing of a Republic of Korea (ROK) passenger plane at San Francisco International Airport in the US state of California.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ban said he was saddened to learn about the plane crash, and expressed "his deepest condolences and sympathy to the families who lost their loved ones, injured and all those affected by the accident."

"His thoughts go to the Government and people of the Republic of Korea," the statement said. "At the same time, he also conveys his sympathy to the Government and people of the People's Republic of China, homes to most of the casualties."

The UN chief also appreciated the quick and effective response by the US authorities that helped minimize the casualties, said the statement.

Two Chinese teenager girls were confirmed killed and more than 180 others injured after an Asiana Airlines flight 214 crashed in landing Saturday. The Boeing 777-200 aircraft carried 16 crew members and 291 passengers, including 141 Chinese nationals, many of whom are students and teachers heading to summer camps, 77 citizens from ROK and 61 Americans.