Muan, Dec 28 (V7N) — The death toll from a tragic plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea has climbed to 85, with most of the remaining passengers and crew feared dead, according to the South Jeolla Fire Service.

Emergency responders confirmed that among the deceased, 39 were male and 46 female. Two survivors, both crew members—one male and one female—have been rescued from the wreckage. The number of survivors remains at just two, and rescuers have expressed little hope of finding additional survivors due to the severity of the inferno.

The Jeju Air jetliner, identified as a Boeing 737-800, was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members on a flight from Bangkok, Thailand, when it crash-landed at Muan International Airport.

Footage aired by local media showed the aircraft skidding on its belly before erupting into flames. Initial reports from the fire department suggest the crash was caused by a landing gear malfunction.

Emergency services are continuing their search and recovery efforts but have warned of the challenges posed by the intense fire and wreckage.

"Our hearts go out to the victims and their families during this devastating time," a spokesperson for the South Jeolla Fire Service stated during an on-site briefing.

Jeju Air and South Korean aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the crash to determine the exact cause of the malfunction.

This incident marks one of the deadliest aviation accidents in South Korea in recent years. The nation mourns the tragic loss of life as it grapples with the aftermath of this disaster.

END/RH/AJ