SEOUL, May 29 (Yonhap) - A South Korean navy maritime patrol aircraft crashed near the city of Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province at around 1:50 PM local time. There were four people on board. The latest report indicates that three bodies have been found by rescue personnel on site, believed to be part of the crew; however, their identities are yet to be confirmed. The Republic of Korea Navy will hold a press conference this afternoon at the scene. According to the ROK Navy and fire department, the accident involved a P-3C maritime patrol aircraft which crashed into a small hill near Pohang Airport off the eastern coast of the South District. The military stated that the aircraft took off from the Pohang base at approximately 1:43 PM and crashed nearby, with investigations underway into the cause of the incident and the extent of any damage. Currently, firefighting efforts are ongoing at the accident site. An eyewitness said that after the crash, thick smoke rose from the mountain slope. [A black-and-white image showing smoke rising from the crash site has been omitted as it cannot be directly translated.] Thick black smoke rises from the crash site. Yonhap News Agency. This article is an exclusive contribution by Guancha Zazhi and cannot be reprinted without permission. Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7509760909007471140/ Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone. You are invited to express your opinion by voting "up" or "down" below.