179 Dead, 2 Survive in South Korean Plane Crash

A tragic plane crash in South Korea on Sunday claimed the lives of 179 people when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 skidded off the runway and crashed into a fence at Muan International Airport. The aircraft, carrying 181 people, encountered a malfunction in its landing gear during its second landing attempt.

According to Yonhap News Agency, two survivors, one passenger and one crew member, were rescued from the wreckage, while the remaining passengers and crew perished. Rescue teams have recovered 120 bodies so far as operations continue.

The accident occurred at 9:07 a.m. local time when Jeju Air Flight 2216, returning from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted an emergency landing. Officials believe the malfunction was caused by the plane colliding with a flock of birds, which reportedly damaged its landing gear.

Local media reported that the pilot initially circled the airport after the first failed landing attempt. During the emergency belly landing, the aircraft broke apart upon impact. Footage shared on social media shows the plane skidding off the runway, crashing into a fence, and bursting into flames. Thick black smoke billowed from the wreckage as rescue workers rushed to the scene.

The plane carried 175 passengers, including 173 South Korean nationals and two Thai citizens, along with six crew members. Eyewitness accounts described a loud explosion as the aircraft crashed, with debris scattering around the site.

This devastating accident has left the nation mourning and raised concerns about aviation safety. Investigators are working to determine the exact cause of the crash and assess whether it could have been prevented.

As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on supporting the survivors and the families of the victims during this difficult time.