Following earlier reports of a plane crash of a passenger flight flying to South Jeolla's Muan Airport which previously reported 28 deaths, authorities are now estimating that only two out of the 181 people on board have survived.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:07 AM on December 29, when the flight arriving from Bangkok skidded off the runway during landing. The plane, carrying 175 passengers and 6 crew members, reportedly had a majority of Korean nationals on board, with only two Thai citizens.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene and have been working tirelessly to extract survivors from the wreckage. The South Jeolla Fire Department has confirmed 64 fatalities so far, with the grim expectation that the death toll will rise significantly.
"We are currently checking the passenger manifest and seating chart, but the fuselage is completely damaged, making identification difficult," explained a representative from the fire department.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. However, preliminary reports suggest that poor weather conditions may have played a role in the tragic accident.
This incident marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korea's recent history. The nation is in mourning as families await news of their loved ones.