A plane with malfunctioning landing gear has veered off a runway and hit a fence at an airport in South Korea, killing at least 29 people. 

Fire crews are on the tarmac of the Muan International Airport, in the country’s southwest, and are continuing attempts to extinguish the fire and rescue passengers and crew from the burnt wreckage.

“We have so far confirmed 29 deaths from the crash... but the tally could rise due to the critically injured,” said Lee Hyeon-ji, a local fire department official.

About 180 people were believed to be on the Jeju Air flight, which was returning from Bangkok.

Yonhap reported the plane veered off the runway and collided with a fence before bursting into flames. Emergency officials said they were examining the exact cause of the fire.

Local TV stations aired footage showing thick pillows of black smoke billowing from the plane engulfed with flame.

More to come.