“Burning Skies, Deadly Impact: Eyewitnesses Reveal the Horrific Moments Before a South Korean Plane Crashed to Earth”

South Korean Plane Crash: At Least 176 Killed as Boeing 737-800 Skids Off Runway

On Sunday, a devastating plane crash occurred at Muan International Airport in South Korea, claiming the lives of at least 176 people. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, operated by Jeju Air, was returning from Bangkok, Thailand, when it skidded off the runway and collided with a concrete fence.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing an engine on fire and hearing an explosion as the plane attempted to land. Yonhap News Agency cited South Korea’s National Fire Protection Agency (NFA) as saying that the plane was carrying 181 people, including two crew members who were pulled to safety. However, three people remain missing.

The crash occurred at around 9:03 a.m. local time, and emergency crews were quickly dispatched to the scene. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but authorities are looking into a possible bird strike and malfunction of the landing gear.

One witness, Yoo Jae-yong, who lives near the airport, said he saw sparks from the right wing of the plane before the incident. “I told my family there was something wrong with the plane and suddenly I heard a huge explosion,” he said.

Another witness, Cho, reported hearing a loud bang and seeing a flash of light as the plane hit the concrete wall at the end of the runway. “Then there was a series of explosions,” he said.

Kim Yong-cheol, a 70-year-old witness, said the plane failed to land on its initial attempt and had to turn back and try again before the crash. He heard two “metal scraping” sounds about five minutes before the accident and observed the plane ascending after failing to land.

Jung, a 50-year-old witness who was fishing nearby, said he saw a flock of birds collide with the plane, causing the right engine to catch fire. “As the plane landed on the runway, it hit a flock of birds flying in the opposite direction,” he said. “I heard two or three loud noises, like a bird being sucked into the engine, and then I saw flames coming from the right engine.”

The plane took off from Suvarnabhumi Airport and there were no reports of unusual conditions on the aircraft or the runway, Airports of Thailand director Kerati Kijmanawat said in a statement.

Jeju Air issued a statement apologizing for the crash and promising to do its best to deal with the consequences of the accident. Boeing also released a statement, expressing its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and offering support to those affected.

The crash is one of the deadliest aviation accidents in recent years, and it has sent shockwaves throughout the aviation industry. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.

FAQ:

Q: How many people were killed in the crash?
A: At least 176 people were killed in the crash.

Q: How many people were on board the plane?
A: The plane was carrying 181 people, including two crew members.

Q: What type of plane was involved in the crash?
A: The plane was a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800.

Q: What is the cause of the crash?
A: The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but authorities are looking into a possible bird strike and malfunction of the landing gear.

Q: Are there any survivors?
A: Two crew members were pulled to safety, and emergency crews are still searching for three missing people.

Conclusion:

The South Korean plane crash is a devastating reminder of the risks and dangers associated with air travel. The incident highlights the importance of safety protocols and the need for continued vigilance in the aviation industry. As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, authorities will work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the accident and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.