In a tragic turn of events, a Boeing 737-800 passenger plane from South Korea carrying 132 people on board has crashed in Southern China. As per the latest reports, the incident has claimed the lives of 179 people, making it one of the most devastating aviation disasters in recent history.
The ill-fated aircraft was operated by Korean Air, a leading airline in South Korea, and was en route to Guangzhou from Seoul when the incident occurred. Despite the generally excellent safety record of the Boeing 737-800, this incident has raised questions about its safety and reliability.
The crash took place in a mountainous region near the city of Wuzhou in southern China. The exact cause of the crash remains uncertain as there were no immediate reports of bad weather or technical glitches. However, the aircraft reportedly lost contact with air traffic control during its descent, moments before the crash.
Rescue operations were promptly initiated by the Chinese authorities, but the challenging terrain and the extensive damage caused by the crash have made the task extremely difficult. The rescue teams are working tirelessly, sifting through the wreckage in a desperate search for survivors.
Both South Korea and China have expressed their deep condolences to the victims' families and assured a thorough investigation into the incident. The international aviation community is also closely watching the developments, with the International Civil Aviation Organization calling it a "tragic loss".
As the investigation proceeds, the world waits anxiously for answers. This devastating crash serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with air travel, even as continuous efforts are made to enhance safety standards in aviation.