In the southwestern region of the country, a plane veered off the runway at Muan International Airport and collided with a nearby wall. The aircraft had 175 passengers and six crew members on board. Among the passengers, 173 were South Korean and two were Thai nationals.
The Jeju Air flight, returning from Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, crashed while attempting to land at the airport.
Yonhap News reported that, so far, one passenger and one flight attendant have been rescued alive, and the rescue operation is ongoing.
A spokesman from the airport told Reuters that rescue workers were trying to save passengers from the back of the plane.
This medium-sized airport, which opened in 2007, serves as a hub for flights to various destinations across Asia.
Local TV channels are broadcasting news of the accident, with people watching in concern.
The cause of the crash and why the plane veered off the runway is still unknown. However, Yonhap has reported that it could have been caused by a bird strike that rendered the landing gear ineffective.
Meanwhile, an unverified video has spread on social media, showing the plane veering off the runway and crashing into the airport wall. Before hitting the wall, part of the aircraft catches fire. Another video shows thick black smoke rising into the sky.
South Korea’s fire department issued a statement saying that at least 80 firefighters, along with 32 fire trucks, are working at the scene.
Jeju Air issued a statement expressing regret over the accident. “We sincerely apologize to everyone affected by the Muan Airport accident,” the statement read. “We will do everything necessary. We are deeply sorry for this tragedy.”
This is the first accident in the airline’s history. Jeju Air is South Korea’s largest low-cost airline.
The country’s fire department speculates that a bird strike and bad weather may have contributed to the crash, but an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause, according to Fire Service Chief Lee Jeong-hoon.
Meanwhile, all flights from Muan Airport have been canceled.
Upon hearing the news, acting President Choi Sang-mok of South Korea visited the scene and instructed his office to ensure the provision of necessary personnel, equipment, and medical services for the rescue efforts. This comes amid an ongoing political crisis, as Choi recently assumed his role as the interim leader of the country.
