Desk:A tragic incident unfolded in Muan, South Korea, on Sunday, claiming the lives of 179 people, with only two survivors reported, both critically injured. According to media reports, a Jeju Air flight skidded off the runway and crashed into a fence. Emergency officials are investigating the exact cause of the accident.
This incident comes just a week after another plane crash involving Azerbaijan Airlines near Aktau, Kazakhstan, where 38 of the 67 passengers onboard lost their lives, and the rest sustained injuries.
Muan Fire Chief Lee Jeong-hyun stated during a briefing that the accident in Muan may have been caused by a bird strike and adverse weather conditions. “The crash is believed to have resulted from a bird strike and unfavorable weather, but the exact cause will be announced after a joint investigation,” he said.
The Muan Fire Station clarified that they cannot yet confirm the exact number of casualties. However, emergency personnel managed to rescue at least two passengers from the wreckage. Footage aired on local TV channels showed flames erupting from the aircraft and thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
Emergency officials are working to determine the cause of the fire.
This tragic accident occurs amidst a major political crisis in South Korea. President Yoon Suk-yeol recently imposed martial law, followed by his impeachment. On Friday, South Korean lawmakers passed a motion to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo, suspending his duties and temporarily transferring authority to Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok.