A passenger plane crashed Sunday while attempting to land at Muan International Airport in South Korea, killing at least 177 people, according to the national fire agency.
Video footage shows the plane skidding off the runway and crashing into a concrete barrier.
Preliminary reports identify a bird strike as a possible cause. Officials said a surviving crew member reported the bird strike before being rescued.
According to the Korea Airport Corporation, Muan International Airport leads South Korea’s 14 regional airports in bird strike incidents, with over 10 cases reported between 2019 and August 2024.
Investigators are still determining the exact cause of the crash.
South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, declared a national mourning period until January 4. “We offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families affected by this unexpected tragedy,” he said.