A family trip to Thailand turned into a heartbreaking tragedy for the relatives of Maeng Gi-Su after three of his family members died in a plane crash in South Korea. The Jeju Air flight, carrying 181 people, crash-landed shortly after arriving from Bangkok, resulting in the devastating loss of 179 lives early Sunday morning.
Seventy-eight-year-old Maeng expressed his disbelief at the rapid loss, stating, “I can’t believe the entire family has just disappeared. My heart aches so much.” The family was celebrating a holiday trip when the Boeing 737-800 skidded off the runway at Muan International Airport, colliding with a wall just after 09:00 local time.
Among the deceased were passengers of all ages, with 179 ranging from toddlers to senior citizens, mostly between their 40s and 60s. Authorities confirmed that two Thai nationals were among the fatalities, while most of the passengers were South Korean. Tragically, five of those on board were children, including a three-year-old boy.
Survivors from the flight include two crew members who were found in the tail section of the aircraft. One of the survivors, identified as a 33-year-old male, is currently hospitalized and in critical condition. He suffered multiple fractures, while the other survivor, a 25-year-old female flight attendant, is being treated for injuries but is stable.
Eyewitness accounts suggested the aircraft experienced issues prior to the crash, with one observer recalling seeing smoke and hearing explosions shortly after the incident. There are ongoing investigations into what led to this tragic event, sparking questions about flight safety and potential pilot error.
In the aftermath of the crash, family members gathered at Muan International Airport, where grief and frustration overlapped as they waited for news of their loved ones. The government has initiated a national period of mourning lasting seven days, while providing assistance for funeral arrangements and temporary shelter. The investigation continues as the nation grapples with this profound loss.
