Plane Fire at Airport in South Korea Results in 28 Fatalities as Reported by Local Media

Reports from South Korea indicate that a tragic incident occurred at an airport in the southern part of the country. According to South Korean media, a plane caught fire, resulting in the loss of 28 lives.

A statement from South Korea’s emergency office mentioned that the fire has been extinguished, and rescue teams are currently working on evacuating passengers from the Jeju Air aircraft at Muan airport. The aircraft, carrying approximately 180 individuals, was en route back from Bangkok.

Although Yonhap news agency released information stating the number of fatalities at 28, the emergency office was not able to provide immediate confirmation regarding the exact number of casualties. Various other South Korean news sources also reported a similar number of deaths.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story is below:

A plane with malfunctioning landing gear veered off the runway, hit a fence and caught fire Sunday at an airport in southern South Korea, according to the emergency office and local media.

South Korean media reported the fire left more than 20 people either dead or injured, but the emergency office said it couldn’t immediately confirm the reported casualties. It said two people were evacuated to safety.

The office said the fire was put out and rescue officials were trying to remove passengers from the Jeju Air passenger plane at the airport in the South Korean city of Muan. It said the plane with about 180 people was returning from Bangkok.

Yonhap news agency reported the plane veered off the runway and collided with a fence. Emergency officials said they were examining the exact cause of the fire.

Local TV stations aired footage showing thick pillows of black smoke billowing from the plane engulfed with flame.