Plane crash leaves 179 feared dead in South Korea

A Jeju Air passenger jet with 181 people aboard crashed at Musan International Airport in Muan County, South Korea, after veering off the runway and striking a wall on Sunday morning (29 December, local time). The crash resulted in 179 presumed fatalities, with only two survivors, who were taken to a hospital in Mokpo. The plane, returning from Bangkok, had 175 passengers and six crew members, most of whom were South Korean, with two Thai nationals onboard.

Videos from local and social media revealed that the aircraft’s landing gear was not deployed during the landing. The landing gear is critical for a safe touchdown, and its absence likely contributed to the crash’s devastating impact. Firefighters at the scene confirmed the high casualty count and ongoing emergency response efforts.

South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok expressed profound sorrow and extended condolences to the victims’ families. He visited the crash site at noon and called for an emergency meeting with senior officials to address the tragedy. The province raised its emergency alert to the highest level to manage the aftermath of the disaster effectively.

Acting National Police Agency Commissioner-General Lee Ho-young ordered the mobilization of all available resources to control the situation. As investigations continue, the incident highlights critical safety concerns and the urgent need for thorough assessments to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

References

• Tragedy Strikes as Plane Crashes in South Korea Airport
• South Korean Plane Crashes While Landing, Kills 179 On Board