Tragic Plane Accident in South Korea: Casualties Increase to 85
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Seoul, Dec 29 (NationPress) The fatality count has tragically climbed to 85 following a catastrophic incident involving a plane carrying 181 passengers, which caught fire after veering off the runway at an airport in Muan, South Korea, on Sunday, according to reports from the firefighting agency.
The accident unfolded at 9:07 a.m. when the Jeju Air flight strayed off the runway during landing and collided with a fence at Muan International Airport, located in Muan County, South Jeolla Province, roughly 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
Officials have confirmed the death toll, and it is anticipated that the number of casualties will rise significantly. One passenger and one crew member managed to be rescued.
The aircraft was carrying a total of 181 individuals, including six crew members, and was on its return journey from Bangkok.
The majority of the passengers were Korean, with the exception of two individuals from Thailand.
Footage broadcasted by local television channels depicts the plane attempting to land without its landing gear extended. The aircraft skidded along the surface, crashing into a concrete barrier before erupting into flames.
The explosion resulted in the complete destruction of the aircraft.
Firefighters have successfully extinguished the blaze, and search and rescue operations are currently ongoing at the accident site.
Approximately 80 firefighters have been dispatched to the scene.
Officials suspect that a failure of the landing gear, potentially caused by a bird strike, might be the reason behind the accident. An on-site investigation has commenced to ascertain the exact cause.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok has directed officials to exert every effort in the rescue operations. Choi is reportedly en route to the site of the accident, according to his aides.
The presidential office has announced an emergency meeting of senior officials scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to deliberate on the government’s response to the plane crash. This meeting will be chaired by Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk.
Acting National Police Agency Commissioner-General Lee Ho-young has also instructed officials to mobilize all available resources and collaborate with firefighting and other relevant agencies to aid in the rescue operations.
