Jeju Air Boeing 737 catches fire after veering off runway, killing 28

In South Korea, a devastating incident occurred when a passenger plane skidded off the runway at the Muan airport, resulting in a significant fire and numerous casualties. The aircraft, operated by Jeju Air, was reported to have been carrying 181 people, including passengers and crew, when it attempted to land and failed due to a malfunction in its front landing gear. This failure caused the plane to crash into a concrete fence on the airport premises, leading to a tragic fire that engulfed the aircraft. Emergency services quickly mobilized, deploying 32 fire trucks and several helicopters to extinguish the flames and rescue survivors. Eyewitness accounts captured the harrowing scene, with thick black smoke rising from the aircraft and dramatic images of the plane on fire circulating on local news channels. Despite efforts by rescue teams, at least 47 people were confirmed dead, with additional reports of injuries among the passengers. The aircraft was returning from Bangkok, and investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause of the incident. Local authorities have reported that two individuals, a passenger and a crew member, were successfully evacuated from the burning plane, highlighting the perilous situation that faced those aboard. This event has drawn significant attention not only because of the scale of the tragedy but also due to its occurrence amid a complex political crisis in South Korea, where President Yoon Suk Yeol's recent actions, including the declaration of martial law, have stirred public debate. As the rescue operations continued, the transport ministry announced that they would look into the mechanical failure that caused the landing gear to malfunction. The incident has sparked discussions regarding airline safety and emergency preparedness, reigniting concerns about aviation regulations in the country. The government pledged to utilize all available resources to assist the victims' families and facilitate the recovery efforts, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the aftermath of this deadly incident while also facing scrutiny over its broader political implications.