South Korea Plane Crash Leaves 179 Dead, Investigation Underway
In a devastating aviation accident on Sunday, a Jeju Air flight carrying 181 passengers from Bangkok, Thailand, to South Korea crashed during its landing at Muan International Airport. Only two of those on board—a pair of flight attendants—survived the horrific event, with 179 people losing their lives.
Eyewitness footage reveals the shocking moment when the plane attempted a belly landing. It skidded along the runway before careening off course, slamming into a barrier, and bursting into flames. Authorities suggest that adverse weather conditions and a bird strike may have played a role in this disaster.
The incident unfolded rapidly, with the flight receiving a bird strike warning just three minutes before attempting a landing. Two minutes before the crash, the pilot issued a Mayday call, indicating the dire circumstances. Despite the crew’s efforts, the aircraft collided with a wall, causing catastrophic damage.
In the aftermath, debris from the aircraft—including shattered seats and personal belongings—was scattered across the field adjacent to the runway. The wreckage, described as “almost completely destroyed,” presented immense challenges for the recovery and identification of victims.
Family members anxiously gathered at the airport terminal, hoping for news of their loved ones. Instead, they were met with lists of names, dates of birth, and nationalities of the deceased displayed on information boards typically reserved for arrival and departure updates. Heartbreaking scenes of grief unfolded as families struggled to come to terms with the tragedy.
The Ministry of Land has reported that the crash occurred at 9:03 am local time. The ill-fated aircraft carried 175 passengers, including two Thai nationals, and six crew members. Aviation officials quickly dismissed speculation that the length of the runway contributed to the crash, highlighting that other aircraft of similar size have operated without issues on the same strip.
Jeju Air, a prominent low-cost carrier established in 2005, has expressed profound regret over the incident. In an official statement, the airline extended its apologies to those affected and pledged to provide all necessary support to families of the victims. Boeing, the manufacturer of the plane, has also stepped forward, offering its expertise to assist in the ongoing investigation.
South Korea’s acting President, Choi Sang-mok, who assumed office just days before, convened an emergency meeting with cabinet members and later visited the crash site. Expressing deep sorrow for the lives lost, he assured families that the government would allocate all available resources to aid in recovery and provide thorough support during this challenging time.
As investigators work to uncover the exact cause of the accident, preliminary findings suggest a combination of harsh weather and the bird strike as key factors. The incident marks the first fatal accident in Jeju Air’s history, leaving the nation and the global aviation industry mourning this profound loss.
