SEOUL, Dec 29 (NNN-YONHAP) – The number of deaths from South Korea’s airplane crash while landing rose to 62, today, multiple media outlets said, citing the fire authorities.
The passenger plane carrying 175 passengers and six crew members crashed, while attempting to land at the Muan International Airport, about 290 km away from the capital, Seoul, at around 9:07am local time (0:07am GMT).
The Jeju Air flight 7C2216 from Bangkok, Thailand, veered off the runway and crashed into the outer wall of the runway, with its fuselage destroyed in half and catching fire.
The accident was presumed to have been caused by a bird strike that led to landing gear failure.
The fire was extinguished some 43 minutes later, with about 80 firefighters deployed at the scene.
The police and fire authorities were working on rescue operations from the rear of the aircraft.– NNN-YONHAP
