South Korea: 174 dead as flight crashes at Muan airport
At least 174 people have died after a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 skidded off the runway and crashed into a concrete fence at Muan International Airport in South Korea. The aircraft was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members. The incident occurred during an emergency landing attempt when the plane's landing gear reportedly failed to deploy properly.
Emergency landing attempt and swift response
The flight, which was coming from Bangkok, attempted a "belly landing" at around 9:03am local time. Witnesses said they heard loud "bang" sounds as the plane skidded off the runway and caught fire. Emergency services swung into action immediately with 32 fire trucks and several helicopters rushed to douse the fire.
Investigation into crash cause and rescue operations
The crash is believed to have been triggered by a bird strike that damaged the plane's landing gear, however, this is still being investigated by local authorities. The National Fire Agency said the initial fire was brought under control by 9:46am. Rescue operations are underway as emergency workers continue to look for more casualties in the wreckage.
Muan airport's international services and political implications
Notably, the Muan-Bangkok route was among Muan International Airport's first international services in 17 years, launched only three weeks before the incident. The expansion aimed to connect the regional airport with 18 international destinations across nine countries this winter. South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered "all available equipment and personnel to be mobilized" for rescue operations, marking a major challenge for Choi who assumed office after political turmoil involving the impeachment of previous acting President Han Duck-soo.
Nationalities of passengers and local response
Among those on board were 173 Korean nationals and two Thai nationals. Local authorities are working with major hospitals in Gwangju to handle possible casualties from this tragic incident. The crash marks the first major test for acting President Choi, who took office on Friday after South Korea's parliament voted to impeach the previous acting president, Han Duck-soo.
