In a tragic incident on Sunday, a passenger plane carrying 181 people crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea, resulting in the deaths of 179 individuals. According to Yonhap news agency, only two passengers were rescued from the wreckage.
Rescue authorities reported that the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff, triggering a massive emergency response at the airport. The identities of the victims and the survivors have not yet been disclosed, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene as the plane plummeted and burst into flames upon impact. “I heard a loud explosion and saw smoke rising from the runway,” said one witness who was near the airport at the time of the accident.
Emergency services, including firefighters, medical teams, and law enforcement, rushed to the site to contain the blaze and assist any survivors. The two rescued passengers were immediately transported to a nearby hospital and are reported to be in critical condition.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the factors leading to the crash. Officials from the aviation department are examining flight records, maintenance logs, and interviewing ground staff and air traffic controllers to piece together the events that led to this catastrophe.
The South Korean government has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims. “We are committed to uncovering the truth behind this tragedy and ensuring such incidents do not happen again,” a government spokesperson stated.
Muan International Airport has temporarily suspended all flights as recovery operations continue. The aviation community and international agencies are expected to assist in the investigation.
This disaster marks one of the deadliest air accidents in South Korea’s history, prompting calls for stringent safety reviews and regulations within the aviation industry.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
