Fire Breaks Out on Passenger Jet in South Korea's Muan

A passenger airplane encountered a fire incident at an airport in South Korea, as reported by the country's emergency services and local news outlets. The aircraft veered off its path, collided with a perimeter fence, and subsequently ignited in flames.

Several South Korean media sources, including the Yonhap News Agency, indicated that there were at least 28 fatalities resulting from the fire. However, this figure could not be immediately confirmed by the Muan Fire Station, which reported that rescuers had managed to evacuate at least two individuals from the scene.

According to Lee Hyeon-ji, an official from the local fire department, the number of confirmed deaths had risen to 29. Lee noted that the count could potentially increase due to passengers suffering from severe injuries.

Firefighting teams eventually extinguished the flames, and emergency personnel worked to rescue passengers from the Jeju Air flight, which had approximately 180 people on board as it returned from Bangkok to Muan.

Reports confirmed that the plane deviated from its landing course and struck a fence. Rescue teams are investigating to determine the exact trigger of the blaze.

Television coverage broadcast scenes of dense clouds of black smoke emanating from the burning aircraft, highlighting the severity of the incident.

In response, Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok has orchestrated an extensive rescue operation. He stepped in following a political shake-up that saw previous acting President Han Duck-soo impeached, amid ongoing government instability sparked by the ousting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.