A devastating plane crash has claimed the lives of 179 people, with just two survivors—both crew members—rescued from the wreckage, according to South Korea’s fire agency. The Jeju Air flight was carrying 181 individuals when it attempted to land at Muan International Airport on Saturday morning.
The ill-fated flight, 7C2216, was en route from Bangkok, Thailand, to the southern region of South Korea. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, crashed shortly after 9 a.m. local time, South Korea’s transport ministry confirmed.
Black Boxes Recovered as Investigation Begins
Both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder have been located, a transport ministry official said. Authorities are now examining the data to determine the cause of the tragedy, with bird strikes and adverse weather conditions among the factors under investigation.
Worst Air Disaster in South Korea in Decades
This accident marks South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster in nearly 30 years and the most severe involving a South Korean airline since 1997. Local media showed footage of the plane skidding along the runway with no visible landing gear before crashing into a barrier, erupting into flames.
Rescue workers reported that many passengers were ejected from the aircraft upon impact, leaving little chance of survival.
“The plane is almost completely destroyed, making identification of victims extremely difficult,” a fire official said during a briefing.
Search and Rescue Efforts Underway
Emergency crews have deployed 32 fire engines and dozens of personnel to the crash site. The two surviving crew members were rescued from the tail section of the burning plane and are receiving treatment for severe injuries.
Meanwhile, search teams, including soldiers, are combing the surrounding area for remains and personal belongings, as authorities fear some victims may have been thrown from the plane.
Emotional Scenes at Muan Airport
At Muan International Airport, distraught relatives gathered, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. Red Cross volunteers provided blankets, and medics read out the names of identified victims, prompting heart-wrenching scenes of grief.
One relative, speaking through tears, demanded answers:
“My brother is gone, and I don’t know what’s happening. We need more information.”
Temporary morgues have been established near the site to facilitate the identification process.
Questions Surround Bird Strike Report
Preliminary reports suggest a bird strike may have caused the landing gear to malfunction. Airport authorities had issued a bird strike warning shortly before the crash. However, aviation experts remain cautious, noting that bird strikes, while serious, rarely result in catastrophic failures.
Statements from Officials
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae publicly apologized, vowing full cooperation with investigators and prioritizing support for the victims’ families.
Boeing, the plane’s manufacturer, issued a statement offering condolences and pledging support to the investigation.
South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok has declared a seven-day national mourning period, emphasizing the government’s commitment to uncovering the cause of the crash.
Growing Questions About Safety
The crash comes just weeks after Jeju Air began operating flights from Muan to Bangkok. The airline, founded in 2005, had no prior fatal incidents. The accident also raises concerns about safety protocols at Muan International Airport, which has seen a dramatic surge in passenger numbers in recent months.
