South Korea is in mourning after a devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport left 179 people dead on Sunday. The Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, carrying 181 passengers and crew from Thailand, burst into flames upon landing, leaving the aircraft “almost completely destroyed” according to fire officials. Only two flight attendants survived after being pulled from the wreckage.
As the nation grieves this tragic loss of life, investigations are now underway to determine the cause of the crash. Officials have cited a possible bird strike as a preliminary factor, but a team of US investigators will join South Korean authorities to conduct a thorough analysis. Both black boxes – the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder – have been recovered from the scene.
Global Condolences Pour in for South Korea
Leaders from around the world have expressed their condolences and sympathy for South Korea in the wake of this disaster:
- China’s President Xi Jinping said he was “shocked” to learn of the crash
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said “Europe stands with you in this time of grief”
- Pope Francis told worshippers he joins “in prayer for the survivors and the dead”
I express our deep condolences to the victims, sincere sympathy for the victims’ families, and wish those injured a speedy recovery.
– Chinese President Xi Jinping
The crash is being called “yet another blow to the nation’s heart” by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, referring to recent political turmoil in Seoul. Countries from Spain to Turkey to Iran also conveyed their sorrow and solidarity with the South Korean people.
Families Gather in Grief as Questions Remain
At Muan airport, relatives of those aboard the ill-fated Jeju Air flight gathered to mourn and await further information. The sudden loss of 179 lives has left the nation reeling and desperate for answers about how this tragedy occurred.
While a bird strike is an initial suspected cause, investigators have substantial work ahead to determine exactly what factors led to South Korea’s deadliest plane crash. The grim scene at the crash site, described by fire officials as “almost complete destruction”, highlights the violent nature of the accident.
US Experts to Join Korean Investigation
To assist in unraveling the causes behind the crash, a team of American investigators will collaborate with Korean authorities in examining all possible leads. With the flight data and voice recorders now secured, experts can begin piecing together a detailed analysis of the flight’s final moments.
As South Korea navigates this heartbreaking national tragedy, the world continues to express its support and condolences. The difficult work of investigating this immense loss now commences, with hopes that determining the crash’s causes may help bring some small measure of understanding and closure to a grieving nation.
