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A Jeju Air flight has crashed at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning, leaving 124 people dead in what is now the deadliest airplane disaster on South Korean soil.

According to the information gathered by CABS World News correspondent, the Boeing 737-800, en route from Bangkok, Thailand, carried 181 passengers and six crew members when it veered off the runway during landing and collided with a wall before bursting into flames.

The crash occurred at approximately 9:00 a.m. local time (00:00 GMT). While initial reports suggest a possible combination of a bird strike and adverse weather conditions, investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause.

Emergency services have been working tirelessly at the crash site. According to the National Fire Agency, 1,562 personnel, including 490 firefighters and 455 police officers, were dispatched to recover victims and search for survivors. So far, 124 bodies have been recovered, comprising 54 males, 57 females, and 13 whose gender remains undetermined.

Amid the tragedy, only two survivors, both members of the flight crew, have been rescued. They are receiving medical treatment for their injuries.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok, just 48 hours into his tenure amid a political crisis, declared Muan a special disaster zone, ensuring access to central government funds for recovery efforts and victim support.

“We have a grave situation where a great loss of life occurred after a plane went off the runway in Muan airport this morning,” Choi stated. “I express my deepest condolences to the many victims in the incident. I will do all I can for the injured to quickly recover. I give my condolences to the victims and give my sincere regards to the bereaved families.”

Choi visited the crash site to oversee operations and meet with grieving families.

Jeju Air, South Korea’s most popular low-cost carrier, issued a public apology. The airline’s CEO, Kim E-bae, expressed deep remorse during a press conference, vowing full support for the victims’ families. “Our top priority is to support the bereaved families during this difficult time,” Kim stated. The company also changed its website to a black background as a symbol of mourning.

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing also offered condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones during this tragic time.”

The crash has sent shockwaves across South Korea, marking the first fatal crash involving a domestic airline in over a decade. Until now, the country’s worst air disaster was the 2002 Air China crash, which claimed 129 lives.

Jeju Air, established in 2005, operated 42 aircraft across 44 destinations, averaging nearly 220 flights daily. The carrier had maintained a spotless safety record until this tragic incident.

The disaster comes amid political instability, compounding the nation’s grief during an already tumultuous period. For the bereaved families and a stunned nation, the crash is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the urgency of prioritizing aviation safety.

Efforts are ongoing to uncover the full details surrounding the crash and to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.