A tragic plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea has resulted in numerous fatalities. Officials said that all but two of the 181 people on the flight were presumed to be dead.
The Guardian reported that two survivors, one passenger and one crew member, were rescued from the wreckage and are being treated at a local hospital. Their condition is unknown.
The Jeju Air flight, a Boeing 737-800, was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members when it crash-landed on Sunday (December 29) morning. The flight originated in Bangkok, Thailand, and was attempting to land when it skidded along the runway, hitting fencing and a wall before bursting into flames.
The crash appeared to be caused by a landing gear malfunction, possibly due to a bird strike.
The fire was brought under control by 9:46 a.m. local time, with 80 firefighters and 32 fire trucks deployed to the scene. South Korea's acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has ordered full mobilization of resources for rescue operations and is en route to the crash site.
The crash presents a significant challenge for Choi, who recently assumed office following political turmoil in the country.