179 people on board plane that skidded off runway in South Korea now presumed dead

Authorities in South Korea say all but two of the 181 people on board a passenger plane that skidded off the runway in Muan are believed to be dead.

Yonhap news agency quoting fire officials says two people have been rescued but that 179 passengers and crew are now presumed dead.

The Jeju Air plane from Bangkok attempted a belly landing at Muan International Airport at 9:03am local time after its landing gear reportedly failed to deploy.

The aircraft skidded off the runway and collided with a concrete wall on the edge of the airfield.

Emergency officials in Muan said they were examining the cause of the fire.

In a statement on its website, Jeju Air said, "Our first priority is to do everything possible to manage this incident. We sincerely apologise for causing concern."

The website has switched to a minimalist, black design and appears not to be accepting bookings.

Our journalists are working on this story and will update it as soon as more information becomes available.