A Jeju Air flight from Bangkok to South Korea crashed while landing at Muan International Airport on Sunday, resulting in 62 confirmed fatalities. The Boeing 737-8AS, carrying 181 people, burst into flames upon impact, prompting a large-scale rescue operation, authorities reported.
Citing an AFP report, two individuals—a crew member and a passenger—were pulled from the wreckage and are receiving medical attention, the National Fire Agency confirmed. Efforts to search for more survivors continue, with firefighters evacuating passengers from the rear section of the aircraft.
The crash occurred at 9:03 a.m. local time, with officials suspecting a possible landing gear failure caused by a bird strike. Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause, according to the Ministry of Land.
Emergency crews, including 32 fire engines and dozens of responders, extinguished the fire shortly after it broke out. Dramatic footage showed the jet engulfed in flames near the runway, while rescue teams worked to contain the damage and save passengers.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered the full mobilization of resources to assist in rescue efforts and is holding emergency meetings to coordinate the response.
This marks the first fatal accident for Jeju Air since its establishment in 2005. South Korea’s aviation industry is generally known for its strong safety record, making the incident a rare tragedy.
