A tragic incident occurred at South Korea’s Muan International Airport on Sunday morning when a Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air crashed, reportedly claiming the lives of 179 people. The flight had 181 individuals onboard, including six crew members.
Among the survivors were one passenger and one crew member, who were rescued from the wreckage during ongoing efforts by emergency teams, according to South Korean authorities.
Video footage aired by South Korea’s MBC network showed the plane, flying from Bangkok to South Korea, landing on the runway with smoke pouring from its engines. Shortly after, the aircraft was consumed by flames. Rescue operations are still underway, and investigators are actively working to uncover the cause of the crash.
South Korea Plane Crash
A Jeju Air flight carrying 181 people from Thailand to South Korea tragically crashed upon arrival at Muan International Airport on Sunday. The crash claimed 179 lives, leaving only two survivors, both flight attendants.
Authorities believe a combination of a bird strike and severe weather may have contributed to the disaster. Fire officials described the impact as catastrophic, with passengers being ejected from the aircraft as it collided with a barrier and burst into flames. The plane was left almost completely destroyed, complicating efforts to identify the victims.
Footage showed the plane landing on its belly before skidding off the runway, with smoke pouring from its engines. It then crashed into a wall and erupted into flames, scattering debris across the area.
“The collision was so intense that passengers were thrown from the aircraft, leaving little chance of survival,” a local fire official explained during a briefing. He added that the recovery of remains and identification of the deceased would take time due to the severity of the crash.
By early evening, the fire department confirmed the death toll at 179. Scattered debris, including plane seats and luggage, littered the field near the charred remains of the tail section, offering a harrowing glimpse of the crash’s devastating impact. Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing as investigators seek to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
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Families Mourn Victims of Jeju Air Flight 2216 Crash
Grief and anguish filled the airport terminal as family members of passengers aboard Jeju Air Flight 2216 awaited updates about their loved ones. Information boards, typically displaying flight schedules, instead listed the names, dates of birth, and nationalities of the victims, deepening the emotional atmosphere.
The Ministry of Land confirmed that the crash occurred at 9:03 a.m. local time on Sunday during the plane’s landing. Onboard were 175 passengers, including two Thai nationals, and six crew members. Events unfolded rapidly, with the ministry reporting that the control tower issued a bird strike warning just three minutes before the crash. Two minutes prior, the pilot sent a Mayday distress call.
Questions about the runway length contributing to the accident were dismissed by officials. “The runway is 2,800 meters long, and similar-sized planes have operated there without issues,” an official stated. Video footage revealed the plane skidding off the tarmac and crashing into a wall.
The incident is believed to have been caused by a bird strike combined with adverse weather, according to Lee Jeong-hyun, chief of Muan fire station. “The exact cause will be determined through a joint investigation,” Lee added.
Jeju Air, a low-cost carrier, expressed deep regret over the incident. “We sincerely apologise for causing concern,” the airline stated on social media, pledging full support to those affected. Boeing also released a statement, confirming its communication with Jeju Air and offering assistance.
South Korea’s Jeju Air Plane Tragedy Government Response
A plane caught fire in South Korea, prompting Acting President Choi Sang-mok to hold an emergency meeting with his cabinet. Choi, who assumed office on Friday, focused on coordinating rescue efforts and responding to the tragedy.
Choi expressed deep sympathy for the victims’ families, saying, “No words can ease the pain of those who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy.” He assured that the government is fully mobilizing its resources to assist the affected families and manage the aftermath of the accident.
This incident marks the first fatal accident for Jeju Air, a prominent South Korean budget airline established in 2005.
Bird strikes, which can damage aircraft engines and lead to accidents, have been a common cause of fatal crashes globally. In 2009, a US Airways Airbus A320 survived after striking birds and landing safely in the Hudson River, a dramatic event known as the “Miracle on the Hudson,” as there were no fatalities.
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FAQs
Q.1. What caused the Jeju Air plane crash in South Korea?
Ans. The crash is believed to have been caused by a combination of a bird strike and severe weather.
Q.2. How many people were on board the Jeju Air flight?
Ans. There were 181 people on board, including 175 passengers and 6 crew members.
Q.3. How many survivors were there from the crash?
Ans. There were two survivors: one passenger and one crew member.
Q.4. What is the response from South Korea’s government?
Ans. South Korea’s Acting President Choi Sang-mok has convened emergency meetings to coordinate rescue efforts and provide support to the families of the victims.
Q.5. Has Jeju Air made a statement about the crash?
Ans. Yes, Jeju Air expressed deep regret over the incident and pledged full support to the affected families.
