A 7-day mourning period has been declared in South Korea after the worst plane crash in the country's history, bTV reported.
A plane with 181 people on board crashed at the airport in the city of Muan. 179 people died. Miraculously, two crew members were rescued.
Seconds after touching down, the plane veered off the runway, crashed into a wall, and burst into flames.
Rescuers sent to the scene pulled two stewards alive from the back of the plane.
Hundreds of families arrived at the airport in a desperate search for information about their loved ones.
Authorities promised to continue the search until everyone was found.
The Boeing 737-800 had traveled from Bangkok and, according to the owners, had passed all technical inspections. Authorities have found the black boxes and are investigating the incident.
The main hypothesis for the crash is a collision with a flock of birds that damaged one of the engines before landing. Analysts also point to other problems: There should never be a wall near the runway. This is in complete contradiction to international standards.
Many world leaders expressed condolences, and Pope Francis prayed for the victims.
President Joe Biden said the United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance to South Korea after the deadly plane crash in Muan, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
“As close allies, the American people share deep bonds of friendship with the South Korean people, and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this tragedy,“ Biden said in a statement. “The United States stands ready to provide any assistance needed,“ he added.