179 perished in aviation catastrophe in South Korea
A passenger jet with 181 individuals on board made a belly landing and subsequently exploded at Muan Airport in South Korea. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
A passenger jet operated by Jeju Air belly-landed and exploded at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of 179 individuals. The Boeing 737-800 was carrying a total of 181 people, with two survivors having been rescued, as reported by Yonhap Agency, citing local authorities.
The incident took place shortly after 9 am local time as the aircraft was landing after a flight from Bangkok. Footage shared on social media captured the large jet skidding off the runway and erupting into flames.
Local media sources indicate that authorities suspect the airliner was struck by a flock of birds, leading to a malfunction in its landing gear. The Korea Herald reported that officials stated the plane crashed during its second landing attempt. After circling the airport, it tried an emergency belly landing with the landing gear not fully extended.
As a result of the crash, the plane broke apart, sending thick clouds of smoke billowing from the site. Firefighters are actively working to put out the flames and search for survivors in the tail section of the aircraft. According to Yonhap, one passenger and one crew member have been rescued thus far.
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae expressed condolences, stating, “We extend our deepest condolences and apologies to the passengers who lost their lives in the accident and to their bereaved families.” He further added, “Currently, the exact cause of the accident has yet to be determined, and we must wait for the official investigation by government agencies. Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the CEO.”
The flight included 175 passengers and six crew members, with 173 passengers being South Korean nationals and two holding Thai passports.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
The incident took place shortly after 9 am local time as the aircraft was landing after a flight from Bangkok. Footage shared on social media captured the large jet skidding off the runway and erupting into flames.
Local media sources indicate that authorities suspect the airliner was struck by a flock of birds, leading to a malfunction in its landing gear. The Korea Herald reported that officials stated the plane crashed during its second landing attempt. After circling the airport, it tried an emergency belly landing with the landing gear not fully extended.
As a result of the crash, the plane broke apart, sending thick clouds of smoke billowing from the site. Firefighters are actively working to put out the flames and search for survivors in the tail section of the aircraft. According to Yonhap, one passenger and one crew member have been rescued thus far.
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae expressed condolences, stating, “We extend our deepest condolences and apologies to the passengers who lost their lives in the accident and to their bereaved families.” He further added, “Currently, the exact cause of the accident has yet to be determined, and we must wait for the official investigation by government agencies. Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the CEO.”
The flight included 175 passengers and six crew members, with 173 passengers being South Korean nationals and two holding Thai passports.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
