South Korea plane crash live updates: Seven-day national mourning declared

South Korea Plane Crash News Live Updates: Fire authorities report that among the 181 people aboard the Jeju Air flight from Bangkok, all but two are presumed dead after the aircraft crashed during an emergency landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday morning, according to Yonhap News.

Overview: The accident occurred around 9 am (local time) when the Jeju Air flight was landing at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, approximately 288 km from the capital, Seoul. (Source: X/Yonhap News Agency)

In an emergency meeting on Sunday, South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok declared a national mourning period until January 4 following the deadly plane crash at Muan International Airport that killed 179 people. All on board except two crew members are feared dead. The plane, carrying 181 passengers and six crew members on a flight from Bangkok to Muan International Airport, crashed and burst into flames early Sunday. Expressing his condolences, Choi said in a post on X, “The government offers its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and will do its best to recover from this accident and prevent a recurrence.” The crash site has been declared a special disaster zone.

Incident Details: The Jeju Air flight veered off the runway and erupted into flames as it slammed into a wall at the airport. Videos shared by local news agencies show the twin-engine aircraft skidding down the runway with no apparent landing gear before crashing.

Passengers: The 175 passengers included two Thai nationals, and the rest are believed to be South Koreans, according to the transportation ministry. The plane was a Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air. The airline is investigating the accident’s details, including casualties and the cause, according to an airline spokesperson. South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok ordered all-out rescue efforts.

Major Plane Crashes in South Korea:

September 1983: Korea Airlines Flight 007 was shot down by a Soviet jet, killing all 269 people on board.

July 1993: An Asiana Airlines Boeing 737-500 landed several kilometers short of the runway at Mokpo airport in poor weather, killing over 60 people.

August 1997: Korean Air Flight 801 crashed near Guam’s international airport, killing 228 out of 254 passengers.

July 2011: An Asiana Boeing 747-400 cargo aircraft crashed off South Korea’s Jeju Island, killing both pilots.

July 2013: Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crashed at San Francisco airport, killing three and injuring more than 180 passengers.

Condolences and Responses:

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra: Expressed condolences and ordered immediate assistance for any Thai passengers on board.

Boeing: Extended condolences and offered support to Jeju Air.

South Korea’s former Prime Minister Yoon Suk Yeol: Expressed condolences and urged the government to ensure the safety of rescue personnel.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz: Extended condolences and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae: Apologized for the accident, prioritizing support for the bereaved families.

Rescue Efforts: At least 120 bodies have been recovered from the crash site, with 59 people still missing, according to South Korea’s national fire agency.

Crash Investigation: The transport ministry revealed that the control tower had sent a warning of a bird strike to the plane before the crash. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident.