(Cupventi.com) – Tragedy struck Muan International Airport in South Korea as a Jeju Air aircraft carrying 181 people crashed while attempting to land. The crash, which occurred during its descent after a flight from Bangkok, Thailand, resulted in at least 28 fatalities, according to Yonhap News Agency. Rescue operations continue as emergency teams work tirelessly to locate and assist survivors.
The plane, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, veered off the runway upon landing and collided with a wall at the airport in the country’s southwest. The impact caused significant damage, with the tail section of the aircraft sustaining the most severe impact, officials reported. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene with 32 fire trucks deployed to manage the situation.
BREAKING: New video shows moment Boeing 737-800 plane carrying 181 people onboard crashes at Muan International Airport in South Korea.
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) December 29, 2024
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Survivors and Rescue Efforts
Reports indicate that two individuals—a flight attendant and a passenger—were pulled alive from the wreckage. However, the overall rescue operation remains complex, with emergency personnel focusing on the heavily damaged tail section of the aircraft. Thick smoke and scattered debris have made access to certain areas challenging.
“The rescue efforts are ongoing, and we’re doing everything possible to locate survivors,” a fire official stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Passengers and Preliminary Cause
Among the 175 passengers, 173 were South Korean nationals, and two were from Thailand. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. However, local media have speculated that a bird strike might have disrupted the aircraft’s systems during the critical moments of landing.
Unverified videos circulating on social media depict the aircraft skidding off the runway, colliding with the airport’s boundary wall, and bursting into flames. One clip shows a dense column of black smoke rising, visible from miles away. While these accounts are yet to be authenticated, they have provided a glimpse into the disaster’s devastating impact.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
South Korea’s fire agency confirmed the scale of the emergency response, which includes medical teams on standby and multiple vehicles aiding the rescue mission. Meanwhile, airport officials have temporarily closed Muan International Airport to focus on the aftermath and ensure safety.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves across South Korea, with authorities pledging a thorough investigation into the crash. Experts are expected to examine black box data, weather conditions, and maintenance records to determine the factors that led to this devastating accident.