A tragic aviation disaster occurred in South Korea when a passenger plane burst into flames after veering off a runway, resulting in the deaths of at least 28 people. The incident took place at an airport in the southern town of Muan, as the aircraft, carrying 181 individuals, crashed following a landing gear malfunction.
Emergency officials reported that the plane, operated by Jeju Air, carried 175 passengers and six crew members on its return from Bangkok. The aircraft was engulfed in flames after it skidded off the runway and collided with a concrete barrier, as shown in footage aired by local television stations.
The crash occurred at 9:03 a.m. local time, leading to a significant emergency response. The National Fire Agency deployed 32 fire trucks and several helicopters to combat the blaze and rescue survivors. Despite these efforts, 28 individuals were confirmed dead at the scene, with fire officials continuing to work on the aircraft to locate more passengers.
Local news reports indicated that the landing gear had failed to deploy, causing the plane to skid uncontrollably. Witnesses described ‘thick black smoke’ and intense flames engulfing the aircraft shortly after it struck the barrier. This mechanical failure is believed to be a key factor in the tragic accident.
The crash coincides with a turbulent political climate in South Korea, following the imposition of martial law by President Yoon Suk Yeol and subsequent impeachment proceedings against acting President Han Duck-soo. In the aftermath of the crash, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok directed all available resources toward the rescue operations.
President Yoon’s administration, grappling with the political crisis, saw Chief Secretary Chung Jin-suk leading a crisis meeting to address the situation. The focus remains on determining the exact cause of the crash and preventing further incidents, highlighting the precarious intersection of aviation safety and political instability.
The South Korean plane crash has resulted in a devastating loss of life and significant challenges for emergency responders and political leaders alike. As investigations continue into the cause of this tragedy, the nation grapples with both grief and the ongoing political turmoil that complicates the emergency response.
Source: Nbcmiami
