aviation

A Tragic Incident In South Korea Is Believed To Have Resulted In The Deaths Of 179 Passengers In An Airplane Crash

On Sunday, December 29, South Korean authorities reported that 179 individuals are believed to have perished in a plane crash at Muan International Airport, as reported by local media. 

"Out of 181 passengers, most are presumed dead, with the exception of two who were rescued," stated a Jeolla Fire Department official during a briefing for the families of the passengers at the airport, according to Yonhap News Agency. 

However, officials confirmed that the death toll stands at 122 in this tragic incident. 

The Jeju Air flight, carrying 181 passengers, including six crew members, caught fire upon landing after reportedly experiencing landing gear issues at approximately 09:07 local time in Muan County, located 288 kilometers southwest of Seoul, the capital of South Korea, as per Yonhap. 

The twin-engine aircraft, returning from Bangkok, veered off the runway, collided with a fence, and struck a wall, resulting in an explosion engulfed in flames. 

Local media footage depicted the aircraft skidding on the runway, surrounded by fire and debris. 

One passenger and one crew member were found alive in the tail section of the plane as rescue efforts continued. 

The majority of the passengers were South Korean, with two being Thai nationals. 

An airport official indicated that authorities are focusing on rescuing those trapped in the wreckage. 

Acting President of South Korea, Choi Sung-mok, has ordered a comprehensive rescue operation in response to the incident. 

Choi, who has assumed temporary leadership amid a political crisis, convened an emergency meeting to oversee the response to the accident. 

In a statement, Jeju Air indicated that it is investigating reports related to the crash. 

This incident marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korea in recent years. 

The initial fire has been extinguished, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident. 

Tag: Jeju Air Flight South Korean