South Korea Plane Crash: 85 Feared Dead in Jeju Air Landing Tragedy Amid Political Unrest
A devastating plane crash in South Korea has claimed the lives of at least 85 people, according to local reports. The Jeju Air flight, carrying around 180 passengers, veered off the runway during landing at Muan Airport in southern South Korea. The aircraft’s malfunctioning landing gear is suspected to have caused it to hit a fence and erupt into flames.
Emergency workers rushed to the scene, extinguishing the fire and rescuing passengers from the wreckage. While official casualty figures are yet to be confirmed, the Muan Fire Station reported recovering at least two survivors so far.
Eyewitness Account and Media Coverage
Local television aired dramatic footage of thick black smoke rising from the burning plane. Emergency responders continue to investigate the cause of the fire, with early speculation pointing to technical issues during landing.
Yonhap News Agency reported that the crash has left at least 28 confirmed dead, with the toll expected to rise as recovery efforts proceed.
Political Crisis Adds Complexity
The crash occurs against the backdrop of significant political unrest in South Korea. President Yoon Suk Yeol’s imposition of martial law and subsequent impeachment have led to heightened tensions in the country. The situation escalated last Friday when lawmakers voted to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo, passing interim leadership to Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok.
The aviation disaster has intensified scrutiny of government response capabilities amid the ongoing political chaos.
Call for Action and Safety Concerns
As families mourn their loved ones, aviation experts are calling for a comprehensive investigation into the incident to identify potential lapses in safety protocols. South Korea’s aviation authority has pledged full cooperation in uncovering the truth behind the tragedy.
