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At least 120 people have died in the crash of a Jeju Air plane carrying 181 passengers during its landing at Muan Airport in southwestern South Korea on Sunday, according to an updated toll from the fire department.

In a statement, the department reported, "So far, two survivors, both crew members, and 96 bodies have been recovered" from the Boeing 737-8AS that crashed while landing.

Authorities had earlier stated that one of the survivors was a passenger.

Yonhap News Agency reported that two survivors have been found, and rescue efforts are ongoing.

Local officials suggested the crash might have been caused by a bird strike combined with adverse weather conditions.

During a press conference, Lee Jeong-hyun, head of Muan's fire department, said, "The likely cause of the crash is a bird strike along with unfavourable weather. However, the exact cause will be announced after a joint investigation."

An airport official told Reuters that authorities are conducting rescue operations through the aircraft's tail section.

Images shared by local media showed smoke billowing from the aircraft, with flames engulfing parts of it.

Acting President Choi Sang-mook has ordered comprehensive rescue efforts, according to his office.

A spokesperson for Jeju Air stated that the company is investigating the reports.