At least 179 people have tragically lost their lives in a devastating plane crash in South Korea, as a Jeju Air passenger jet skidded off a runway and burst into flames Sunday morning. The incident occurred at around 9:03 a.m. local time at Muan airport, approximately 290 kilometers south of Seoul, as the aircraft, a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 returning from Bangkok, attempted to land. Initial investigations suggest that the plane's front landing gear failed to deploy, leading to the catastrophic accident.

Reports indicate that the aircraft was carrying a total of 181 individuals, including passengers and crew. Emergency responders managed to rescue just two crew members, who survived the harrowing incident. According to South Korea’s fire agency, out of the 179 confirmed fatalities, 65 victims have been identified at this time. Many of the deceased are believed to be South Koreans, alongside two Thai nationals who were aboard the flight, as reported by VOA News.

Footage broadcasted on South Korean television depicted the plane skidding across the runway at high speed before colliding with a concrete fence, subsequently igniting a massive fireball. The Muan fire chief, Lee Jung-hyun, stated during a press briefing that the remnants of the aircraft only left the tail recognizable, saying, “Only the tail part retains a little bit of shape, and the rest looks almost impossible to recognize.”

Investigators are currently examining potential causes of the crash, exploring whether a bird strike may have contributed to the failure of the landing gear. Communications revealed that the airport control tower cautioned the crew prior to landing, warning them of possible bird encounters. As recovery efforts continue, officials indicated that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved for analysis. The retrieval of the black boxes could be essential in determining the precise circumstances leading to the disaster, with investigations likely to take months, according to Transport Ministry official Joo Jong-wan (from Time).

In response to the incident, South Korean authorities have declared a weeklong period of national mourning. Acting President Choi Sang-mo held an emergency cabinet meeting and visited the crash site to oversee rescue and recovery operations, stating, “The entire government is working closely together to manage the aftermath of the accident... making every effort to ensure thorough support for the bereaved families.” Jeju Air, in a public statement, issued an apologetic message to the victims’ families and pledged its commitment to aiding those affected by the catastrophe.

Condolences have poured in from international leaders, with Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressing her sorrow and instructing immediate assistance for the families of the deceased. Boeing has stated it is prepared to assist Jeju Air in responding to the disaster, extending deep condolences to the victims' families.

The Muan airport runway is currently closed as officials work on recovery efforts and investigation procedures. This incident marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korea’s history, reminiscent of the 1997 Korean Air disaster that claimed over 200 lives in Guam and demonstrates the continuing imperative for aviation safety.

For further updates on this tragic event, please refer to the full articles from AP News, Time, and VOA News.