Fire Engulfs Plane at South Korean Airport: Ongoing Rescue Efforts Report Casualties

Contributors: The Associated Press

On December 29, 2024, firefighters were seen tackling flames beside the runway at Muan International Airport, located in South Korea. (Source: Maeng Dae-hwan/Newsis via AP)

SEOUL, South Korea — Following a landing gear failure, a passenger plane skidded off the runway, striking a barricade, and subsequently caught fire at a southern South Korean airport on Sunday. As of now, the incident has reportedly claimed the lives of at least 28 individuals, according to information provided by the emergency response team and local news sources.

The emergency response office communicated that the fire was mostly under control while rescue efforts were underway to evacuate individuals from the Jeju Air aircraft situated at Muan's airport. The aircraft, carrying approximately 180 passengers, had been en route back from Bangkok.

Various South Korean news outlets, including the Yonhap News Agency, mentioned that the fire resulted in at least 28 fatalities. Meanwhile, Muan Fire Station officials stated that they were unable to immediately verify these casualty figures but confirmed that at least two passengers had been rescued.

Initial reports detail that the plane deviated from the runway and impacted a barrier. Emergency personnel are conducting investigations to determine the precise circumstances that led to the fire outbreak.

Television footage captured the scene, displaying dense clouds of black smoke emanating from the aircraft engulfed in flames.

This aviation tragedy coincides with a significant political upheaval in South Korea, which was set off by the recent impeachment of acting President Han Duck-soo by lawmakers, compelling Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok to assume the interim president's responsibilities.

Choi has directed the mobilization of all potential resources to ensure the safety of passengers and flight staff, as per reports from the Yonhap News Agency.