Death toll rises to 62 in South Korea plane crash

Authorities verified that the fatalities from the Jeju Air plane crash at Muan International Airport on Sunday rose to 62 people. Carrying 181 people, the aircraft crashed at 9:07 a.m. during a failed landing attempt following a landing gear problem, Kazinform News Agency reports.

Traveling from Bangkok, the Boeing 737 strayed off the runway and ran-off into a fence, damaging the aircraft and catching on fire. Rescue efforts have saved 2 more people so far, yet authorities warned that the death toll could continue to rise.

According to first reports provided by Yonhap News Agency, the aircraft failed to slow down as it neared the end of the runway, resulting in an impact with airport outside edge buildings. Witnesses said that the landing gear seemed to be off, which is thought to have driven the attempt at a crash landing. A bird collision is suspected to have caused the malfunction, though investigations are ongoing.

As reported earlier, search and rescue teams remain at the crash site as authorities continue to probe the cause of the accident.