A devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea has claimed the lives of at least 179 people. The Jeju Air flight, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, burst into flames after veering off the runway and crashing into a concrete wall during an attempted landing early Sunday morning.
The incident occurred around 9:03 a.m. local time, with the Boeing 737-800 jet engulfed in flames after the crash. According to local reports, the plane’s landing gear failed to deploy, forcing the pilots into a dangerous emergency landing.
Authorities suspect a bird strike may have caused the malfunction, an official told Yonhap News. As of now, dozens of passengers remain missing. Rescue efforts continue, with two crew members reportedly pulled from the wreckage alive.
The ill-fated flight, 7C2216, was returning to South Korea from Bangkok. Footage broadcasted by YTN television shows the horrifying moment the plane skidded on its belly, collided with the wall, and exploded into flames.
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In response to the tragedy, all domestic and international flights at Muan International Airport have been canceled indefinitely.
This catastrophic event marks a dark day for South Korean, as officials and rescue teams scramble to provide answers and locate missing individuals.
Key Information SO FAR:
- Airline: Jeju Air
- Flight Number: 7C2216
- Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
- Fatalities: At least 179 confirmed
- Origin: Bangkok, Thailand
- Destination: Muan International Airport, South Korea
- Cause: Suspected bird strike leading to landing gear failure
