A devastating plane crash in South Korea has left at least 120 confirmed deaths and dozens more missing.
The incident occurred on Sunday morning when Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport. The flight was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, all of whom were returning from Bangkok, Thailand.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud explosions before the plane skidded off the runway and crashed into a perimeter wall, later bursting into flames.
Initial investigations suggest the landing gear may have failed, potentially due to a bird strike, as footage from the scene indicated the plane landed upside down before the explosion.
So far, the National Fire Agency has confirmed 120 people dead and two crew members have been rescued from the rubble.
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Rescue operations continue and authorities fear the death toll could rise as they continue the search for missing people. The fire caused by the accident has been extinguished, allowing emergency services to begin recovery efforts.
South Korea's acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has ordered all available resources to be mobilized for rescue operations and has called an emergency meeting with cabinet members to address the situation.
He expressed his deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragedy and emphasized the government's commitment to supporting them during this difficult time.
This incident marks the first fatal accident in the history of Jeju Air, which has been operational since 2005 and has maintained a strong safety record. The airline's CEO has pledged to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation into the crash.
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