Days After Kazakhstan Tragedy, Plane Crashes in South Korea: What We Know So Far

Seoul: Just days after the tragic crash in Kazakhstan, a South Korean plane crashed at Muan Airport while landing on Sunday. The accident reportedly occurred at 9:03 a.m. at Muan International Airport, which is located in South Korea's southwest, about 288 km from the capital, Seoul. 

At least 176 people have been confirmed dead after the Jeju Air flight, carrying 180 passengers and six crew members, veered off the runway and crashed into a fence. Officials state that there were 2 Thai nationals and 174 Koreans on the flight.

Emergency officials have stated that they are investigating the exact cause of the fire while continuing rescue operations. Meanwhile, the Muan Fire Station reports that responders rescued two people from the plane. It said it deployed 32 fire trucks and several helicopters to douse the fire. 

Acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered an all-out effort for the ongoing rescue operations at the airport. Choi arrived at the Central Disaster Management Headquarters in Seoul at 9:50 a.m. and instructed that all available equipment and personnel be mobilized.

Exact Moment of the Crash

Footage showing the exact moment of the crash, which surfaced online, reveals the flight returning from Bangkok attempting a belly landing after the plane’s landing gear failed to deploy properly. Several visuals of the accident showed parts of the aircraft scattered across the runway.
 

Bird Strike as the Cause for Malfunction?

According to reports, during the emergency landing attempt, the plane was unable to reduce its speed sufficiently as it neared the end of the runway.

The aircraft immediately burst into flames. Visuals show thick plumes of black smoke billowing from the plane, which was engulfed in flames.

Reports also suggest that a bird strike may have been the cause of the landing gear malfunction, although the exact cause of the crash has yet to be confirmed.

Fire officials have warned that, given the severe damage to the aircraft, the number of casualties could rise. Two survivors, a passenger and a flight attendant, have been reported.

Death Toll Rises to 176

The death toll has risen to 176 from 47. The National Fire Agency said the fire was almost put out but officials were still trying to pull people from the Jeju Air passenger plane at the airport in the southern town of Muan.

All Flights Cancelled in South Korea

Reuters has reported that all domestic and international flights in South Korea have been cancelled following the plane crash. 

The incident comes as South Korea is embroiled in a huge political crisis triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol's stunning imposition of martial law and the ensuing impeachment. Last Friday, South Korean lawmakers impeached Acting President Han Duck-soo and suspended his duties, making Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok take over.

(Inputs from agencies)