A devastating plane crash in South Korea claimed 179 lives, including five children under 10, when a Jeju Air flight skidded off the runway at Muan International Airport and smashed into a concrete wall. The youngest victim was a three-year-old boy, according to authorities.

The Boeing 737-800, en route from Bangkok, attempted a belly landing after a reported bird strike disabled its landing gear. Sparks were visible as the plane skidded, and horrifying footage showed it bursting into flames. Miraculously, two crew members—a man and a woman—were rescued alive from the wreckage with non-life-threatening injuries.

South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok declared a national mourning period until January 4. Grieving families gathered at the airport, with one man pleading for answers: “My older brother died, and I don’t know what’s going on.” Temporary morgues have been set up, and identification efforts continue, with 22 victims identified through fingerprints.

Authorities confirmed 173 South Koreans and two Thais were on board. The crash marks South Korea’s deadliest air disaster since 1997. Pope Francis sent his condolences, saying, “My thoughts are with the families mourning today.”

Unverified footage suggests a bird strike caused an engine fire, leading to the disaster. Investigations are ongoing as South Korea grapples with the tragedy.