Airplane Crash at Muan International Airport Leaves Death Toll Rising
Devastating Accident Occurs During Landing
At least 28 people were killed when an airliner, Jeju Air flight 7C2216, went off the runway and slammed into a wall at South Korea’s Muan International Airport on Sunday. The aircraft, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, was landing at the airport in the south of the country after a flight from Bangkok, Thailand.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Two people were found alive, and rescue operations are still ongoing, according to a Muan fire official. The official could not confirm the reports of 28 dead. Authorities are working to rescue people in the tail section, an airport official told Reuters.
Video Footage Reveals Dramatic Scenes
Video shared by local media shows the twin-engine aircraft skidding down the runway with no apparent landing gear before slamming into a wall in an explosion of flame and debris. Other photos show smoke and fire engulfing parts of the plane.
Aviation Tracking and Investigations
Aviation tracking site FlightRadar24 reported that the aircraft appears to be a Boeing 737-800. Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
South Korean Government Reacts
South Korean acting President Choi Sang-mok, who was named interim leader of the country on Friday after the previous acting president was impeached amid an ongoing political crisis, ordered all-out rescue efforts, his office said. His chief of staff convened an emergency meeting. A Jeju Air spokesperson said the airline was checking the reports.
Conclusion
The incident has sent shockwaves through the aviation community, and the rescue efforts are ongoing. As more information becomes available, it is clear that this is a devastating tragedy that will have a significant impact on the families and friends of those affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many people were on board the flight?
- 175 passengers and 6 crew members
- Where was the flight coming from?
- Bangkok, Thailand
- What type of aircraft was involved?
- Boeing 737-800 (according to FlightRadar24)
- How many people have been confirmed dead?
- At least 28, with 2 survivors found alive
- What is the current status of the investigation?
- Ongoing, with authorities working to rescue people in the tail section