Tragedy Strikes: Plane Crash at South Korean Airport Claims 85 Lives
SEOUL — A devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea has left at least 85 people dead. The tragic incident occurred when a Jeju Air flight traveling from Bangkok veered off the runway during landing, leading to a fiery crash, according to officials from the country’s National Fire Agency.
Details of the Tragic Event
The ill-fated flight was carrying a total of 175 passengers and six crew members. Among the victims were two Thai nationals, indicating the international scope of this heartbreaking event. Lee Jung-hyun, the head of the Muan Fire Department, suggested that a malfunctioning landing gear might have been a contributing factor to the crash. However, investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause.
Rescue Efforts and Immediate Response
Despite the tragic loss of life, there were two miraculous survivors— one passenger and one crew member— rescued from the wreckage. Currently, 94 individuals remain unaccounted for, sparking a massive search and rescue operation involving 700 personnel members.
National Response and Support
South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has called for a full mobilization effort to extinguish the fire and rescue those in need. The government has pledged to focus on rescuing survivors, managing victim recovery, arranging funerals, providing support to grieving families, and offering transparent updates on the situation.
Continuing Developments and Support
As the nation grapples with this tragedy, the Ministry of Interior and Safety, as well as the national defense ministry, have mobilized emergency response teams and military personnel to provide assistance. The government is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of the affected individuals and families during this challenging time.
Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this devastating event, and we stand in solidarity with the people of South Korea as they navigate this difficult period of mourning and recovery.
Please stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
Stella Kim, a dedicated NBC News freelance producer based in Seoul, continues to provide invaluable coverage of this tragic incident.
