A devastating plane crash involving a Jeju Air jetliner in southwestern South Korea on Sunday morning has claimed at least 28 lives, sparking a national mourning period following the disaster attributed to landing gear failure.

The crash occurred just after 9 a.m. local time during the aircraft's landing at Muan County Airport while carrying 175 passengers and six crew members. At least 28 people lost their lives in the incident, which is now recognized as one of the deadliest in South Korean history. South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok has declared a national mourning period, highlighting the profound impact of this tragedy on the nation and prompting urgent calls for enhanced aviation safety measures.

The jetliner, a Boeing 737-800, had taken off from Bangkok before making its ill-fated descent into Muan County. As the plane approached the airport, it reportedly experienced a catastrophic landing gear malfunction, which ultimately led to the crash. The aircraft virtually caught fire upon impact, resulting in the near-total destruction of the jet.

Among the 175 passengers aboard, authorities confirmed that two Thai nationals were present. Emergency responders, utilizing significant resources, rushed to the scene shortly after the crash occurred. Search and rescue operations resulted in the successful extraction of two crew members from the wreckage, but many others were not as fortunate.

The circumstances surrounding the incident have attracted immediate attention from investigators. While initial reports indicate a landing gear failure, experts are also examining other potential contributing factors, including the possibility of bird strikes and adverse weather conditions at the time of landing. This thorough investigation aims to uncover the precise causes of this tragic event and to possibly prevent future occurrences.

This crash ranks as one of the most severe aviation disasters in South Korea's history, a country that has made significant advances in aviation safety over the past several decades. The loss of life in this incident is a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with air travel, even in regions known for their stringent safety measures.

In the wake of the tragedy, emotional responses have poured in from across the nation. Families of the victims, alongside the larger South Korean community, are grappling with the enormity of the loss. The national mourning period declared by acting President Choi Sang-mok reflects a collective understanding of the grief that accompanies such incidents.

Authorities are not only focusing on the current investigation but are also preparing to address the psychological impact of the crash. Support services are being organized to assist those affected, including the families of the deceased and survivors of the crash, ensuring they receive the necessary help during this difficult time.

The aviation industry in South Korea has been impacted by a recent plane crash in southwestern South Korea, where at least 28 people have died. The Jeju Air jetliner, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, crashed on landing at Muan County Airport just after 9 a.m. local time on Sunday. Emergency responders rescued two crew members from the wreckage, but the plane virtually caught fire and was almost completely destroyed. The crash was attributed to a landing gear malfunction, making it one of the deadliest air disasters in South Korean history.

As the investigation progresses, updates will be closely monitored and reported. The final report, which will likely take months to complete, is expected to provide insights and recommendations aimed at enhancing aviation safety protocols and minimizing the chances of similar tragedies in the future.