A catastrophic plane crash occurred in South Korea on Sunday morning, resulting in the tragic loss of more than 170 lives. The incident involved a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, which crashed during its landing approach to Muan International Airport. The aircraft, which had returned from Bangkok, Thailand, was carrying 181 individuals onboard, with reports confirming that 179 perished in the accident. Only two crew members survived, reportedly rescued from the wreckage.
Harrowing visuals from the scene showcased the aircraft veering off the runway, colliding violently with a barrier, and erupting into flames. Just minutes before the crash, air traffic control had alerted the pilots regarding bird activity in the vicinity. At approximately 08:54 (local time), the flight, designated 7C2216, requested alternative landing instructions after experiencing a suspected bird strike just moments before the accident.
Eyewitness accounts described the plane making contact with the runway without deploying its landing gear, leading to a skid off the runway. Some witnesses reported hearing “a loud bang” followed by a series of explosions as flames consumed the aircraft. The first of the survivors was rescued approximately 30 minutes post-crash, with the second emerging from the tail section shortly thereafter.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation, with initial reports indicating a potential bird strike compounded by adverse weather conditions. However, aviation experts have cautioned that a bird strike alone is unlikely to lead to such a deadly outcome. The flight recorders have been recovered, but concerns loom over their integrity.
As recovery efforts continue, officials are grappling with the immense toll of the tragedy. Authorities are working diligently to identify the deceased, with many victims believed to be returning home from holiday celebrations in Thailand. Among the deceased include five children, with the youngest just three years old. Grieving family members gathered at the airport for updates as officials established a special disaster zone to aid the recovery efforts.
The Korean government has since declared a national period of mourning, and an emergency safety review has been ordered for the airline industry at large. Jeju Air's administrative leaders expressed their condolences, emphasizing their operational integrity since launching in 2005. Boeing has also pledged support to the affected airline, reinforcing the commitment to passenger safety.
As questions linger surrounding the crash, families and the nation wrestle with the harrowing losses endured, calling for thorough investigations to prevent future tragedies.
