At least 85 killed in S Korea as plane crashes on landing at Muan airport

At least 85 people have been killed when a passenger plane caught fire after skidding off a runway and crashing at an airport in South Korea’s Muan city, the country’s National Fire Agency said.

The accident occurred on Sunday at 9.03am local time (00:03 GMT) as the Jeju Air flight, carrying 175 passengers and six crew from the Thai capital Bangkok, was landing at Muan International Airport in the southwest of the country.

The National Fire Agency confirmed that 85 people – 46 women and 39 men – have been killed, and the fire that engulfed the plane has been extinguished.

Yonhap reported the plane veered off the runway and collided with a fence. Emergency officials said they were examining the exact cause of the fire.

Local TV stations aired footage showing thick pillows of black smoke billowing from the plane engulfed with flame.

BREAKING: South Korea plane crash horror: At least 28 dead after aircraft carrying 175 passengers and six crew crashes off runway and erupts into ball of flames - as haunting footage shows lead-up to smash

The Jeju Air flight which had six crew onboard was returning from Bangkok… pic.twitter.com/L1lIJCPgKi

— Melissa Hallman (@dotconnectinga) December 29, 2024

The incident came as South Korea is embroiled into a huge political crisis triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s imposition of martial law and ensuing impeachment.

Last Friday, South Korean lawmakers impeached acting President Han Duck-soo and suspended his duties, making Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok to take over.

Choi ordered officials to employ all available resources to rescue the passengers and crew, according to Yonhap news agency.

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Source: TRT