At Least 62 Confirmed Dead in Muan Airport Plane Crash

SEOUL — At least 62 people have died after a commercial airplane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday morning. The aircraft, a Jeju Air flight originating from Bangkok, was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members when it crashed while attempting to land.

According to local fire authorities, the plane veered off the runway around 9:03 a.m. local time, shortly after reporting issues with its landing gear. The aircraft subsequently collided with a perimeter wall and burst into flames. Emergency services acted swiftly, bringing the initial blaze under control by 9:46 a.m.

Currently, two survivors, identified as one passenger and one crew member, have been rescued and are receiving medical attention at a nearby facility. The search continues for others as emergency responders continue to comb through the wreckage of the aircraft.

The incident marks a tragic beginning to a new era of international flight services for Muan International Airport, which had only resumed operations for international destinations a few weeks prior. Witnesses reported a loud bang before the aircraft lost control and subsequently caught fire.

Choi Sang-mok, South Korea’s acting president, has instructed that all available resources be mobilized for rescue efforts. He emphasized the need for safety protocols for firefighting teams engaged in recovery operations.

The accident has sparked an ongoing investigation by the South Korean Incident Investigation Committee, which arrived on site shortly after the event to determine the cause of the crash and the malfunction of the landing gear.

Authorities continue to assess the impact of this tragedy, which raises concerns amidst ongoing political unrest in South Korea.

What is being done to support those affected by this crash?

• Emergency shelters are being prepared for those who may have lost family members or are in need of additional support.
• The government is coordinating with local hospitals to ensure that survivors receive necessary care.
• The acting president has called for a full investigation to prevent future tragedies.

The Muan crash is a stark reminder of the ongoing risks associated with air travel, underscoring the need for rigorous safety measures.