A passenger jet skidded off a runway at a South Korean airport, colliding with a concrete fence and igniting in flames, resulting in the deaths of 179 people. The incident, triggered by a suspected landing gear malfunction, is among the nation's worst aviation disasters and is under intense investigation.
The Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, arriving from Bangkok, crashed on Sunday at Muan Airport, approximately 290 kilometers south of Seoul. The aircraft, which had been in service for 15 years, reportedly experienced issues with its front landing gear during touchdown at 9:03 am local time (11:03 am AEDT).
Tragically, 179 passengers, comprised of 85 women, 84 men, and 10 individuals whose genders were not immediately identified, perished in the ensuing fire. Emergency responders were able to pull two crew members from the wreckage, who were later reported to be conscious and in stable condition.
Officials have identified 88 of the 177 bodies recovered so far, confirming that the passengers were primarily South Korean nationals, along with two Thai citizens. One of the rescued crew members was hospitalized and treated for fractures.
In response to the crash, 32 fire trucks and several helicopters were deployed to combat the blaze. A large emergency team, including 1570 firefighters, police officers, soldiers, and other officials, was sent to the scene.
Eyewitness footage shows the plane careening across the runway at high speed, apparently without its landing gear extended. The aircraft overran the airstrip and crashed into a wall, triggering an explosion. The plane was almost entirely destroyed, with only its tail recognizable amidst the debris.
The cause of the accident is still being investigated. Authorities are considering a variety of factors, including the possibility of a bird strike causing mechanical failure. Investigators from the Transport Ministry have arrived at the scene to commence their probe.
According to initial communication records, the control tower had issued a bird strike warning and redirected the plane to a different landing area just prior to the crash. The pilot also reportedly sent out a distress signal before overshooting the runway.
Jeju Air's president, Kim E-bae, issued a public apology, expressing deep sorrow and taking full responsibility for the incident. While the company stated that the aircraft had no previous mechanical issues, they are awaiting the findings of the government investigation.
This devastating crash marks one of South Korea’s worst aviation incidents since 1997 when a Korean Air plane crashed in Guam. The global community has been extending their support, including the Prime Minister of Thailand, who conveyed condolences and offered immediate assistance through their Foreign Ministry.
While this tragedy occurred amidst significant domestic political unrest in South Korea, Acting President Choi Sang-mok has directed all available resources towards rescue efforts and investigations. The Australian government has confirmed that no Australians were aboard the flight, offering consular assistance to any affected citizens.
