ASIATODAY.ID, MUAN – A plane flown by Jeju Air belly-landed and exploded at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday, killing 179. The Boeing 737-800 was carrying 181 people, and two of them have been rescued, Yonhap Agency wrote, citing authorities.
The disaster occurred shortly after 9 am local time, when the Boeing 737-800 was landing following a flight from Bangkok.
A video posted on social media shows the large aircraft skidding off the runway and bursting into flames.
According to local media, the authorities believe that the airliner was hit by a flock of birds, which caused its landing gear to malfunction.
The Korea Herald cited officials as saying that the plane crashed during its second attempt to land. After circling the airport, it attempted an emergency belly landing, without the landing gear fully extended.
The aircraft then broke into pieces, with thick plumes of smoke rising from the crash site. Firefighters are working to extinguish the flames and looking for survivors in the tail section. One passenger and one crew member have been rescued so far, according to Yonhap.
“We extend our deepest condolences and apologies to the passengers who lost their lives in the accident and to their bereaved families,” Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae said in a statement.
“Currently, the exact cause of the accident has yet to be determined, and we must wait for the official investigation by government agencies,” Kim said. “Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the CEO.”
The plane had 175 passengers and six crew members. Of the passengers, 173 are South Korean nationals, and two others held Thai passports. (RT)
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