Watch: Moment when plane skid off runway and crashed at South Korea airport

South Korea's acting President, Choi Sung-mok, has called for a full-scale rescue operation and convened an emergency meeting to address the situation.

By: Express Web Desk

Updated: December 29, 2024 08:46 PM IST

2 min read

Firefighters work to extinguish a fire off the runway of Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. (Photo: AP)

All but two of the 181 people on board lost their lives after a Jeju Air flight skidded off the runway and crashed into a wall while attempting to land at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday.

The Boeing 737-800, carrying 181 passengers, was returning from Bangkok when the accident occurred. Two survivors were found alive as rescue teams worked tirelessly at the scene, reported Yonhap news agency. A total of 179 people — 85 women, 84 men and 10 others whose genders weren’t immediately identifiable — died in the fire, the South Korean fire agency said.

Also read | At least 47 dead after plane carrying 181 veers off runway at South Korea airport

Footage aired on local TV showed thick plumes of black smoke rising from the aircraft engulfed in flames. A viral video circulating online appears to capture the plane attempting to land without functioning landing gear before crashing into the wall.

South Korea’s acting President, Choi Sung-mok, has called for a full-scale rescue operation and convened an emergency meeting to address the situation.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and will prioritise saving lives and supporting the affected families,” Choi’s office said in a statement.

The crash has left many questioning aviation safety measures, as investigations continue to determine the exact cause of the incident.

(with inputs from agencies)

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