Tragic Jeju Air Crash Claims Over 170 Lives in South Korea
On Sunday morning, a devastating plane crash in South Korea has resulted in more than 170 fatalities. The incident involved a Jeju Air aircraft that went off the runway while attempting to land at Muan International Airport, colliding with a wall.
The Boeing 737-800, returning from Bangkok, was carrying 181 individuals. Sadly, 179 passengers lost their lives, although two crew members were rescued from the wreckage.
Investigators are currently probing the cause of the crash, with preliminary indications suggesting the possibility of a bird strike combined with adverse weather conditions. Experts caution that multiple factors may have contributed to this tragedy.
Potential Bird Strike Raises Questions
The ill-fated flight, designated 7C2216, was operated by Jeju Air, South Korea’s leading low-cost airline, and arrived at Muan around 09:00 local time. According to a transport official, the flight was cleared to land but had to circle due to a bird strike warning before the pilot declared a Mayday and sought a landing approach from the opposite direction.
Eyewitness accounts describe the aircraft touching down without deploying its landing gear, skidding down the runway before crashing into a wall and erupting into flames. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by explosions, with video footage capturing the aircraft engulfed in fire and smoke.
Investigation Underway
Lee Jeong-hyun, head of the Muan fire department, noted that while the tail section of the plane was recognizable, the overall shape of the aircraft was unidentifiable. While a bird strike and bad weather are suspected, the exact cause remains under investigation. The flight and voice recorders have been recovered, although one is reported damaged.
A passenger who survived messaged a relative about a bird stuck in the wing, but officials have yet to confirm if any birds were involved. Jeju Air’s management asserted that the incident was not related to maintenance issues, emphasizing the pilot’s extensive experience with over 6,800 flight hours.
Aviation expert Geoffrey Thomas stated that while South Korea’s airlines typically adhere to best practices, the exact circumstances of this incident warrant further scrutiny as many elements do not align with expected safety protocols.
Casualties and Recovery Efforts
Reports indicate that the aircraft was transporting 175 passengers along with six crew members. Tragically, the crash marks the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korean history with an official death toll of 179, including five children under ten. The youngest victim was just three years old.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with over 1,500 emergency personnel deployed, scouring the area around the runway for debris and victims. Only two crew members survived, who were located in the tail section of the aircraft.
Government Response and Community Support
The government declared Muan a special disaster zone, facilitating central funding for recovery and victim support. All flights to and from Muan International Airport have been suspended as families await news of their loved ones who were onboard.
To provide solace, the Red Cross and airport officials have established tents for grieving families, while the anxious atmosphere in the terminal reveals the deep impact of this tragedy.
The airline expressed remorse and noted that this is the first fatal incident in its history since launching in 2005. Boeing has also extended condolences to the victims’ families as the nation enters a period of mourning, with flags at government buildings being lowered in memory of those lost.
