At Least 179 Dead in South Korea Airline Crash
A Jeju Airlines flight carrying 175 passengers and a crew of 6 crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea, leaving 179 dead.
The incident occurred due to a malfunction of the aircraft’s landing gear, which is suspected to have been caused by a bird strike.
The Boeing 737-800 collided with a concrete wall and erupted into flames.
Despite emergency responders immediately initiating rescue operations, just two survivors were in the wreckage.
However, ongoing efforts to find additional individuals have been in vain.
“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 apologize for causing concern,” the airline wrote in a statement, per The New York Post.
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Passengers on the flight consisted of South Korean nationals, with two individuals from Thailand.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok responded to the crisis by ordering rescue operations and convening an emergency meeting.
The Korean transport ministry has opened an investigation into the tragic accident, focusing on technical aspects leading up to the incident.
The Post reported that South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has scheduled an emergency meeting for Sunday morning.
“I want to sent my condolences to the families of those who died and injured,” Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra wrote in a statement posted to X.
“I have instructed the foreign ministry to check whether there are Thai nationals on board, what the situation is now and to give assistance immediately,” Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra wrote in a statement posted to X.
The incident occurred just days after another fatal crash involving an Azerbaijan Airlines flight
Authorities are under pressure to reinforce air travel safety protocols in the light of the incidents.
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