A tragic plane crash in southwestern South Korea has resulted in the deaths of at least 28 people, with numbers expected to rise as recovery operations continue, according to local fire department officials.
The Jeju Air jetliner, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, crashed while landing at the airport in Muan county just after 9 a.m. local time on Sunday (7 p.m. ET Saturday). Emergency responders have managed to rescue two individuals from the wreckage, as reported by the South Jeolla province Fire Service Headquarters.
Rescue teams are concentrating their efforts on reaching passengers trapped within the tail section of the aircraft, which remains the only intact part of the plane. A fire department official informed CNN that the aircraft was “almost completely destroyed” by the ensuing fire. Images released by the Yonhap news agency depict the tail section engulfed in flames, highlighting the severity of the crash.
Preliminary investigations by the fire department suggest that a malfunction in the landing gear led to the catastrophic accident. As rescue operations proceed, authorities are working tirelessly to locate and assist any remaining survivors.
This incident marks a significant tragedy in South Korea’s aviation history, prompting an urgent response from emergency services and investigators. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The focus remains on the ongoing rescue efforts and the investigation into the cause of the crash.
