“Tragedy in the Skies: Devastating Crash of South Korean Passenger Plane Leaves 62 Lives Lost, 2 Miraculously Rescued”
**South Korean Plane Crash: 62 dead, 2 Rescued after Overrunning Runway and Catching Fire**
On Sunday, a passenger plane overshot the runway upon landing at South Korea’s Muan International Airport, resulting in a devastating crash that claimed the lives of at least 62 people. Two passengers were rescued, according to the South Korean national fire agency. The plane, a Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air, was traveling from Bangkok and had 175 passengers and 6 crew members on board.
The accident occurred at approximately 9:00 a.m. local time, when the plane, identified as flight 7C2216, landed at the airport in the south of the country. The exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined, but a bird strike is being investigated as one of several possible factors.
According to eyewitness reports, the plane’s landing gear may have malfunctioned due to a bird strike, causing the plane to lose control and overrun the runway. However, this has yet to be confirmed.
The passengers on board the plane included two Thai nationals and the rest were believed to be Koreans. An official with the Department of Transportation’s aviation division stated that an investigation is ongoing, and multiple factors are still being considered.
Rescue efforts were underway immediately after the crash, with airport officials working to rescue those at the rear of the plane. Footage shared by local media showed the plane taxiing along the runway before hitting a wall in an explosion of flames and debris. Other photos showed smoke and flames engulfing parts of the plane.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who was appointed interim leader of the country on Friday, has ordered an all-out rescue effort, with an emergency meeting called by his chief of staff.
**Investigation and Response**
An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway, with multiple factors still being considered. The South Korean Ministry of Transport did not confirm reports of casualties, but the national fire agency reported that at least 62 people had been killed. The agency also reported that two people were rescued.
**Testimonies from Passengers**
According to News1, a passenger texted a relative saying a bird was stuck on the wing. The man’s last words were: “Should I say my last words?”
**Reaction from Authorities**
The passengers included two Thai nationals and the rest were believed to be Koreans, according to the Ministry of Transport. A spokesman for Jeju Air stated that the plane was a Boeing 737-800 jet, and the company is investigating the details of the accident, including casualties and the cause.
**Impact on Travel**
In light of the devastating crash, all domestic and international flights at Muan Airport have been canceled. The South Korean government has also issued a statement expressing its deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
**Consequences and Repercussions**
The plane crash at Muan International Airport is one of the deadliest in South Korea’s aviation history. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and officials are working to determine the factors that led to the tragedy.
**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**
Q: How many people were on board the plane?
A: There were 175 passengers and 6 crew members on board.
Q: What was the cause of the crash?
A: The exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined, but a bird strike is being investigated as one of several possible factors.
Q: How many people were rescued?
A: Two people were rescued.
Q: How many people were killed?
A: At least 62 people were killed.
Q: What is the reaction from the government?
A: Acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered an all-out rescue effort, and an emergency meeting was called by his chief of staff.
Q: What impact will the crash have on travel?
A: All domestic and international flights at Muan Airport have been canceled.
**Conclusion**
The South Korean plane crash at Muan International Airport is a devastating tragedy that has claimed the lives of at least 62 people. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and officials are working to determine the factors that led to the tragedy.