At Least 124 Killed in South Korean Plane Crash

A devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea has left a trail of death and devastation, with investigators pointing to multiple factors possibly contributing to the tragedy. The Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, carrying 180 passengers and crew, crashed while landing in strong winds, sparking a fire that killed at least 124 people on board.

The accident occurred at around 9am local time on Sunday, with rescue efforts ongoing as emergency personnel, including 490 firefighters and 455 police officers, have been deployed to the scene. Two crew members survived the crash, with survivors reporting that the perpetrator of a bird strike was observed before attempting an emergency landing. The control tower had warned the pilot about birds in the area shortly before the pilot reported a bird strike, prompting a mayday call.

An investigation into the crash is underway, with officials pointing to the failure of the undercarriage's wheels to deploy as one of the likely contributing factors. A senior official at the transport ministry has confirmed that the pilot reported a bird strike before making the emergency landing, with a team of US investigators, including from Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration, assisting in the probe. The transport ministry has announced that a senior pilot with 6,800 hours of flight experience was at the helm of the plane.

As the nation mourns the loss of 124 lives, authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the crash, including inspecting all Boeing 737-800 planes in the country. South Korean acting President Choi Sang-mok has declared seven days of national mourning, with 101 Boeing 737-800 planes used by six airlines set to be inspected as part of the investigation. As families continue to wait for news of their loved ones, the country comes together to support those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.