- Jeju Air flight skids without landing gear before crashing.
- 181 people were onboard, including six crew members.
- Only two survivors rescued; the rest are presumed dead.
- Worst South Korean airline disaster since 1997.
Muan County, South Korea – Dec 29
A catastrophic airline accident claimed the lives of at least 177 passengers at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning. The Jeju Air flight, arriving from Bangkok, erupted into flames after a belly landing went tragically wrong. This marks the deadliest air disaster in South Korea’s history, according to officials.
The ill-fated flight 7C2216 was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members. Moments before its scheduled 9 a.m. landing, the aircraft veered off the runway, crashing into a wall and bursting into a fiery explosion. Local authorities confirmed that only two crew members were rescued from the wreckage, while the remaining passengers are presumed dead.
Grim Scene at the Crash Site
Witnesses reported scenes of chaos as rescue teams worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames and recover bodies. “The aircraft was almost unrecognizable,” said Lee Jung-hyun, the Muan fire chief. The tail section of the Boeing 737-800 was the only part of the plane that remained somewhat intact.
Emergency responders described the air reeking of aviation fuel and blood, with protective-suited workers combing the crash site for remains.
Possible Causes Under Investigation
Preliminary reports suggest that a bird strike may have caused the landing gear to malfunction. Moments before the crash, the control tower had issued a warning about birds in the vicinity. Investigators are now examining weather conditions and mechanical failures as additional factors.
A passenger’s text, sent shortly before the crash, read ominously, “Should I say my last words?”
Heartbreak at the Airport
At the airport’s arrival hall, grieving families awaited news of their loved ones. The Red Cross offered support to devastated relatives, while authorities worked to identify victims through fingerprints.
“My brother is gone, and I have no answers,” one grieving relative lamented. Others pleaded with reporters to respect their privacy.
Airline and Government Response
Jeju Air’s CEO, Kim E-bae, publicly apologized, promising full cooperation with investigations and support for the affected families. “This is a tragic day for us,” Kim stated during a televised briefing.
South Korea’s interim president, Choi Sang-mok, visited the crash site, pledging government resources to assist in the response efforts.
A Tragic Milestone
This accident surpasses South Korea’s previous air disaster records, including the 1997 Korean Air crash in Guam. Aviation experts have raised questions about safety protocols and the possibility of mechanical issues contributing to the tragedy.
The Muan International Airport, one of South Korea’s smaller hubs, had seen a surge in international travel in recent months. Operations at the airport have been suspended indefinitely following the incident.
Boeing and CFM International, the manufacturers of the aircraft and engines, extended their condolences and pledged to assist with investigations.
As the nation mourns, the focus now shifts to understanding what led to this devastating tragedy and preventing such incidents in the future.
For the latest updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Digital News Alerts.
