A passenger plane with 181 people on board crashed while landing at a South Korean airport, leading to at least 62 deaths.
The accident took place early Sunday morning (December 29) at Muan International Airport, as reported by AFP.
According to reports, the Jeju Air flight was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members when it skidded off the runway and crashed while trying to land after arriving from Thailand.
South Korean news agency Yonhap indicated that the crash is thought to have resulted from a "landing gear malfunction following a bird strike" during its landing attempt at the airport in the southwest region of the country. Initial rescue efforts have managed to find two survivors, and operations are still ongoing. The number of fatalities may increase.
Footage from the scene shows rescue teams working at the rear section of the damaged aircraft. Flames and smoke can be seen rising from parts of the plane.
The office of South Korea's acting president, Choi Sang-mok, announced that the president has instructed a comprehensive and effective rescue operation. Choi Sang-mok took on interim leadership duties last Friday.
