A horrific jet accident at South Korea's Muan International Airport on Sunday morning has been reported to have killed at least 179 people, according to firefighters quoted by news agency Yonhap. Just two survivors have been pulled from the wreckage so far. At 9.03 am local time, the Jeju Air flight carrying 181 passengers crashed during an emergency landing attempt while it was travelling from Bangkok.
The Boeing 737-800 attempted a belly landing at Muan International Airport after reportedly experiencing a landing gear malfunction. Witnesses claim to have heard loud "bang" sounds right before the plane collided with the airport's perimeter wall, which broke apart and caught fire. A bird struck may have happened as the jet was descending, according to footage shown by regional news station MBC.
According to footage circulated by local media, the twin-engine aircraft skidded down the runway without any visible landing gear before crashing into a wall in a debris and flame explosion. In other images, portions of the aircraft were engulfed in smoke and fire.
Fire officials have reported that two survivors—a passenger and a crew member—were pulled from the plane's tail section as rescuers continue to search through the debris. At the moment, both survivors are being treated at a local hospital. Authorities are still working to recover other bodies that are still inside the frame of the plane.
Authorities have cordoned off the area and launched an extensive investigation to determine the cause of the crash. South Korea's Ministry of Transport confirmed that the aircraft was on a routine domestic flight. "Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy," said a ministry spokesperson during a press briefing.
The crash marks one of the deadliest aviation incidents in South Korea’s history, prompting renewed calls for stringent safety measures in the aviation sector. President Yoon Suk-yeol has called for a thorough investigation and pledged government support for the affected families.
