South Korea plane crash: Death toll reaches 62 (update)

KATHMANDU: The death toll in a passenger plane crash rises to 62.

The plane was carrying 181 individuals and crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport in southwest South Korea.

The fatalities include 37 women and 25 men.

The Jeju Air flight, en route from Bangkok, Thailand, skidded off the runway and collided with a wall during landing.

The aircraft had 175 passengers and six crew members on board.

South Korea’s Fire Department confirmed that several people were rescued alive, with ongoing efforts to save others.

An airport official stated that rescuers were focusing on evacuating passengers from the rear of the plane. Yonhap News Agency reported that the passengers included 173 South Koreans and two Thai nationals.

While the cause of the crash remains unclear, local media suggest a bird strike might have damaged the aircraft’s system.

Photos from the scene reveal the plane’s lower section scraped and exploded upon hitting the wall.

All flights at Muan International Airport, located 288 kilometers south of Seoul, have been suspended.

This marks the first crash in Jeju Air’s history.

Founded in 2005, Jeju Air is one of South Korea’s largest low-cost carriers.