In a devastating incident that has shocked South Korea, a Jeju Air flight from Bangkok carrying 181 people crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, operating as Flight 7C2216, reportedly experienced issues with its landing gear and skidded off the runway before colliding with the airport’s perimeter wall.
The impact caused the plane to break into two pieces and burst into flames, engulfing the front and tail sections. Witnesses described hearing loud “bang” noises just before the aircraft struck the wall. Local authorities have stated that 179 of the 181 passengers and crew on board are presumed dead, marking it as South Korea’s worst domestic civil aviation disaster if the death toll is confirmed.
Rescue Efforts and Survivor Accounts
Emergency responders rushed to the scene to combat the flames and search for survivors amidst the wreckage. Two individuals were miraculously pulled from the tail section and are currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital. The identities and conditions of these survivors have not been disclosed at this time.
Among the 175 passengers, 173 were South Korean nationals, while two were from Thailand. The nationalities of the six crew members have not been specified. Family members of the victims are being offered free bullet train transportation from Seoul to Mokpo, the closest rail terminal to the crash site, to facilitate their journey during this difficult time.
Possible Causes Under Investigation
While the exact cause of the crash remains undetermined, officials are exploring several potential factors. Footage aired by local broadcaster MBC appears to show a bird strike incident occurring as the plane was descending, which could have contributed to the landing gear malfunction. Additionally, authorities have noted that weather conditions at the time of the crash may have played a role, though specifics have not been provided.
No words of consolation will be enough for the families who have suffered such a tragedy.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok
South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, visited the crash site and expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims. He has ordered the full mobilization of all available resources to support the rescue and recovery efforts. Jeju Air’s CEO, Kim E-bae, also issued an official apology, acknowledging the profound responsibility he feels for the incident and promising to cooperate fully with the official investigation.
A Tragic End to a New Route
The ill-fated flight was part of a new international service connecting Muan to Bangkok, which had only been launched three weeks prior to the crash. The route was the airport’s first international offering in 17 years, adding an extra layer of tragedy to the incident.
Despite South Korea’s solid track record for aviation safety, this crash marks the first fatal accident for Jeju Air, one of the country’s largest low-cost carriers, since its establishment in 2005. The airline industry and the nation as a whole are grappling with the immense loss and the questions that remain unanswered.
A Nation in Mourning
As investigators work tirelessly to uncover the causes of this tragedy, South Korea has entered a period of national mourning. The lives lost in this devastating crash have left an indelible mark on the country, and the healing process will undoubtedly be long and difficult.
In the coming days and weeks, the focus will be on supporting the families of the victims, honoring the memory of those lost, and working to ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again. The South Korean government, Jeju Air, and the international aviation community must come together to thoroughly examine this incident, implement necessary safety measures, and strive to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the nation grapples with this immense loss, the thoughts and prayers of people around the world are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those affected by this heartbreaking event. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may those left behind find the strength and support they need to navigate this unimaginably difficult time.
