At least 47 passengers killed in plane crash at South Korea airport

At least 47 passengers have been killed in a plane crash at an airport in South Korea, officials have said.

Rescuers are attempting to pull people from the wreckage of the plane after it veered off a runway at Muan International Airport and crashed into a wall, becoming engulfed in flames.

The plane was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members when it attempted to land, but its landing gear was said to have not fully opened.

Yonhap News Agency reported that a collision with a bird may have caused the malfunction – citing officials.

Footage aired by YTN television showed the moment the plane slammed into the wall at the airport and burst into flames, after skidding off the runway without its landing gear deployed.

Further photos shared by local media showed smoke and flames engulfing much of the plane.

Officials said the blaze has been brought mostly under control and South Korea’s transport ministry said the incident happened at 9.03am local time on Sunday (shortly after midnight in the UK).

Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800 jet, was on its way back from Bangkok, Thailand, at the time of the crash.

South Korea’s emergency office said two people had been safely rescued, one passenger and one crew member.

Among those on board were 173 South Koreans and two Thai people, local media reported.

All domestic and international flights from Muan International Airport have been cancelled in light of the fatal crash.

Acting President Choi Sung-mok ordered a rescue effort, his office said.

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