The passenger plane was engulfed in flames after it veered off the runway at Muan International Airport
The passenger plane was engulfed in flames after it veered off the runway at Muan International Airport
The death toll from the devastating plane crash in South Korea has climbed to 179, with new details emerging about the cause of the disaster. Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 burst into flames after it careered off the runway at Muan International Airport, coming just days after the Azerbaijan plane crash on Christmas Day.
The Boeing plane, which was carrying 181 people, smashed into a fence after coming off the runway, with early reports suggesting there might have been a malfunction with the landing gear. Eyewitnesses described hearing thunderous “bang” noises as the pilots struggled to land, leading them to go around for another attempt.
Video footage shows the aircraft appearing to try for a belly landing without any landing gear, but failing to decelerate in time, the Express US reports. A bird strike may have caused the landing gear to fail, resulting in the plane swerving off the tarmac and crashing into a boundary wall.
The aircraft broke apart and burst into flames, marking one of South Korea’s most lethal aviation disasters in over ten years. Emergency services are probing the precise reasons behind the blaze and have sent out 32 fire engines and numerous helicopters to tackle the fire.
Horrifying scenes were broadcast on local TV stations as the plane was engulfed in thick black smoke. Images showed the aircraft’s tail section ablaze as emergency teams rushed to the scene. The South Korean Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Ministry is now investigating the crash. All flights to and from Muan Airport in Jeollanam-do have been cancelled following the incident.
Acting President Choi Sung-mok, who took over leadership of South Korea just last Friday after his predecessor was impeached, has called for a full-scale rescue mission. Choi visited the Central Disaster Management Headquarters in Seoul at 9.50am before heading to the crash site, which is located 300km from the capital.
A witness, who was fishing near Muan Airport at the time of the crash, told local broadcasters: “The plane was flying low to land when it collided with the flock of ducks. The ducks then started to scatter like crazy and it looked like the plane was on fire.” He added: “Then, a moment later, there was a loud bang and a huge amount of smoke rose into the sky.”
Following the tragic incident, Jeju Air issued a statement on their website: “Jeju Air deeply bows in apology to all those affected by the Muan Airport accident. Our first priority is to do everything possible to manage this incident. We sincerely apologise for causing concern.” The devastating crash left only two survivors – one passenger and a crew member.
