A Jeju Air plane carrying 181 people from Bangkok to South Korea crashed on arrival Sunday (Dec 29), colliding with a barrier and bursting into flames, with only two survivors rescued so far and 177 confirmed dead. A collision with birds and adverse weather conditions were cited by the authorities as likely causes of the crash that flung passengers out of the plane and left it "almost completely destroyed", according to fire officials. Video showed the Jeju Air plane landing on its belly without wheels at Muan International Airport, skidding off the runway as smoke streamed out from the engines, before crashing into a wall and exploding in flames.
Summary
* At least 177 people are dead after a plane crashed while landing at an airport in South Korea.
* The Boeing 737-800 flight – operated by airline Jeju Air – had 181 passengers on board and was arriving at Muan Airport from Bangkok, Thailand.
* Footage online appears to show the plane coming off the runway and crashing into a wall, before bursting into flames.
* No cause has been confirmed; but the fire service says it believes a collision with birds and poor weather may be to blame.
* Two survivors, both members of the flight crew, have been pulled from the debris and rescue efforts continue.
(Compiled)
