South Korea: At least 179 killed in Muan plane crash
Two passengers, both crew members, survived in the accident, authorities and emergency services reported.
Plane crash in South Korea
(UPDATE) Authorities confirmed that 179 of the 181 people on the plane that crashed Sunday near Muan International Airport (South Korea) died. The two survivors are crew members.
So far, 65 of the fatalities have been identified after DNA testing. All of the travelers were reportedly South Koreans, except for two Thais.
Initial investigations revealed that the crash may have been caused by “contact with birds, resulting in the landing gear malfunctioning” as the plane attempted to land at the airport.
The aircraft ended up catching fire and crashing as it attempted to land. The aircraft, which departed from Bangkok, Thailand, was operated by South Korean carrier Jeju Air.
According to authorities, 175 passengers and six crew members were on board.
SEOUL (@CNN) — Jeju Air plane carrying 175 passengers 6 crew crashed while landing at Muan airport at around 09:04AM local time Sunday. CNN is confirming casualty figures with local fire department. https://t.co/QztfmsxLm0
— Mike Valerio (@ValerioCNN) December 29, 2024
According to various international reports, the plane was almost completely destroyed, and rescue workers are still focused on reaching the people inside the tail section of the plane.
A photograph showed the tail of the plane engulfed in flames, with fire trucks nearby.
South Korea's acting president, Choi Sang-mok, called for the mobilization of all resources to save the passengers.
"All agencies involved ... must mobilize their available resources to save the people," Choi instructed in a statement.
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