It is believed that 179 people lost their lives in an aviation accident at Muan Airport in South Korea on Sunday, according to the Yonhap news agency.
"Fire authorities stated that, with the exception of two individuals rescued from the wreckage, all missing persons are presumed dead, adding that they are shifting to recovery operations for the bodies. Currently, officials have confirmed 85 fatalities from the incident. One passenger and one crew member — both women — were rescued shortly after the accident and are receiving treatment at a hospital in Mokpo," the report said.
According to the report, the aircraft was nearly completely destroyed by the explosion. "Videos aired by local television channels show the plane attempting to land without its landing gear deployed. The aircraft skidded along the ground, collided with a concrete barrier, and then exploded and caught fire," the agency reported.
Officials believe that a landing gear failure, possibly due to a bird strike, may have caused the crash. They have begun an on-site investigation to determine the exact cause.
The Acting President of South Korea, Choi Sang-mok, arrived at the crash site around noon, instructing officials to make every effort to carry out search operations. Choi also expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and promised to provide them with all possible state assistance.
Reports indicate that there were 181 people on board the aircraft - 175 passengers and six crew members. The flight was returning from Bangkok, Thailand. Most of the passengers were Korean, with the exception of two Thai nationals.
The accident occurred at 9:07 AM South Korean time on Sunday (2:07 PM Kyiv time) when the aircraft from the South Korean airline Jeju Air was approaching for landing at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province.
Source: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20241229001054315