South Korean Navy Patrol Plane Crash Sparks Urgent Investigation

A South Korean Navy patrol aircraft, with four individuals on board, tragically crashed into a mountain in the region of Pohang on Thursday afternoon, according to Yonhap News. The crash occurred at 1:50 p.m. local time, shortly after the plane's departure for a training mission.

The aircraft, identified as a P-3 maritime patrol plane, had left a nearby air base at 1:43 p.m. but soon met an untimely disaster under unexplained circumstances. Observers at the scene reported smoke billowing from the mountain where the aircraft went down.

The Navy has confirmed that a thorough investigation into the crash is underway, focusing on potential casualties and the root cause of the tragedy. Firefighters are currently battling a blaze at the crash site, spurred by the downed aircraft.

(With inputs from agencies.)