At least 28 passengers have been killed in a plane crash at an airport in South Korea, officials have said.

Rescuers were attempting to pull people from the wreckage of a plane that veered off the runway at Muan Airport and crashed, becoming engulfed in flames.

The National Fire Agency said that at least 28 people have been killed in the crash.

The plane was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members when it attempted to land, but its landing gear was said to have not fully opened.

Yonhap News Agency reported that a collision with a bird may have caused the malfunction – citing officials.

Footage aired by YTN television showed the moment the plane slammed into a wall at the airport and burst into flames, after skidding off the runway without its landing gear deployed.

Further photos shared by local media showed smoke and flames engulfing parts of the plane.

Officials said the blaze has been brought mostly under control and South Korea’s transport ministry said the incident happened at 9.03am local time on Sunday (shortly after midnight in the UK).

Firefighters were also said to be attempting to rescue 23 passengers who were in the tail section of the wreckage.

Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800 jet, was on its way back from Bangkok, Thailand, at the time of the crash.

South Korea’s emergency office said that two people had been safely rescued.

Among those on board were 173 South Koreans and two Thais, local media reported.

Acting President Choi Sung-mok ordered an all-out rescue effort, his office said.

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