South Korean Navy Patrol Plane Crashes in Mountains Near Pohang; Emergency Crews Battle Fire

A South Korean Navy patrol plane carrying four people crashed on Thursday afternoon near a military base in the southern city of Pohang, officials confirmed. Emergency responders are currently battling a fire at the crash site, believed to have been caused by the impact of the aircraft hitting the ground.

The incident occurred around 1:50 pm local time, when a P-3 patrol aircraft went down in mountainous terrain near Pohang, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a large plume of smoke rising from the crash area, indicating a significant fire likely triggered by the crash impact.

The South Korean Navy has confirmed the model of the aircraft involved but has yet to disclose the status of the crew or the exact cause of the crash. Rescue and emergency teams have been dispatched to the remote mountain site to assess the situation and carry out search-and-rescue operations.

Details remain scarce as the navy continues its investigation into what led to the plane going down. The challenging terrain and ongoing fire at the site have so far hindered full access and assessment of the crash.

This latest tragedy adds to a recent history of aviation incidents in South Korea. Only months ago, a Jeju Air passenger plane crashed in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters. The Jeju Air jet belly-landed at Muan International Airport before crashing into an embankment and catching fire, killing all 175 passengers and four of the six crew members on board.

The Pohang crash, involving a military patrol aircraft, has raised urgent questions about aviation safety within South Korea’s armed forces. The P-3 plane is primarily used for maritime patrol and surveillance missions, often flying over coastal waters and sometimes challenging weather conditions.

Authorities have pledged to thoroughly investigate the circumstances behind the crash to prevent future accidents. Meanwhile, families of the crew and the public anxiously await updates on the wellbeing of those on board.

The Navy is coordinating with emergency services to contain the fire and secure the crash site while prioritizing rescue efforts. The mountainous area near Pohang poses significant logistical challenges to responders.

As investigations continue, the South Korean military is expected to provide further information on the status of the four crew members and possible causes of the crash in the coming days.

IT.