A devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday resulted in the deaths of 179 people. The Jeju Air flight, carrying 181 passengers and crew, veered off the runway upon landing and erupted into flames, marking the deadliest airline disaster of the year.
The Boeing 737-800, which originated from Bangkok, Thailand, was reportedly carrying 175 passengers and six crew members. Authorities confirmed that at least two passengers were Thai, with the majority believed to be Korean nationals. Initial reports suggest that the pilot issued a mayday call after encountering a bird strike, according to Joo Jong-wan, director of the Aviation Policy Division at South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage reveal the aircraft skidded along the runway and subsequently collided with a barrier, triggering a catastrophic fire. The plane was described as "completely destroyed," with the tail being one of the only sections remaining intact.
In the aftermath of the disaster, families of the victims gathered at the airport, awaiting identification of their loved ones. The national fire agency has confirmed the identities of at least 88 victims, as a mix of grief and despair filled the airport. Red Cross set up tents to provide privacy for grieving family members,
Two crew members, a man and a woman, were rescued from the wreckage and are being treated for moderate injuries. One of the survivors, a 33-year-old flight attendant, is in intensive care, while another survivor, a 25-year-old woman, is reportedly in stable condition.
Investigations into the crash are underway, with a preliminary analysis indicating a bird strike as a key factor. The plane was initially instructed to change runways after a bird strike warning. Following the mayday call, the aircraft attempted to land, failing to lower its landing gear and crashing into a safety system.
The South Korean government has mobilized over 1,500 personnel for search and recovery efforts, while the National Transportation Safety Board has joined South Korean authorities along with Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct a thorough investigation, which may take up to three years. The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been retrieved for analysis.
Jeju Air has issued an apology, expressing their deepest condolences to the families of those killed. Acting President Choi Sang-mok has declared the site a "special disaster zone" and vowed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash. The global aviation community is closely monitoring the investigation as questions are raised regarding the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.
