Tragic Plane Crash at South Korea Airport: 47 Confirmed Dead

Seoul, South Korea: A devastating crash of a Boeing 737-800, operated by Jeju Air, at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning has left at least 47 people dead. The aircraft, carrying 181 passengers, including six crew members, skidded off the runway during landing and collided with a wall before bursting into flames.

Shocking Visuals from the Scene

Footage of the crash shows the plane attempting a "belly landing," with its landing gear reportedly not fully extended. Moments later, the aircraft was engulfed in flames, and thick black smoke billowed into the sky. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to extinguish the fire and evacuate passengers.

Survivors and Rescue Efforts

Two survivors, a passenger and a flight attendant, have been pulled from the wreckage and are being treated for critical injuries. Local authorities have warned that the death toll is likely to rise due to the severity of the injuries sustained by other passengers.

Rescue operations began around 9 a.m. local time, with emergency services deploying 32 fire trucks and numerous firefighters to the scene. Authorities are focusing on evacuating passengers from the rear section of the aircraft.

Possible Cause of the Crash

Initial investigations suggest that the crash may have been caused by a bird strike, which reportedly damaged the aircraft’s landing gear. Officials are examining the wreckage and flight data to confirm the sequence of events.

Government Response

South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-Mok has called for all-out efforts to rescue survivors and manage the aftermath. "Every resource must be mobilized to save lives," he said in an official statement. An emergency meeting was convened to coordinate the rescue and recovery operations.

Flight Details

The aircraft was en route from Bangkok, Thailand, to Muan, South Korea. According to the flight-tracking platform FlightRadar24, the crash occurred during the plane’s landing approach.

This tragedy has sent shockwaves across South Korea and beyond, as rescue teams and investigators work to uncover the full details of the incident and provide support to the victims’ families.