A devastating plane crash at South Korea’s Muan International Airport on Sunday morning claimed the lives of at least 120 people, marking the deadliest air disaster in the country in nearly three decades. Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800 en route from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted to land at approximately 9 a.m. (0000 GMT) but experienced a catastrophic landing gear failure.
The twin-engine aircraft, carrying 181 passengers and crew, skidded down the runway without landing gear before slamming into a wall and erupting in flames. Video footage captured the horrifying moments as flames and smoke engulfed the plane. Only the tail section of the aircraft remained somewhat intact, while the rest of the wreckage was unrecognizable, according to Muan Fire Chief Lee Jung-hyun.
Rescue efforts initially focused on survivors trapped in the tail section. Two crew members were extracted from the burning wreckage and are being treated for severe injuries. Tragically, most of the passengers are presumed dead, with authorities now transitioning to recovery operations. Search efforts have expanded to surrounding areas, as the impact may have thrown victims beyond the crash site.
This disaster is South Korea’s worst aviation tragedy since a 1997 Korean Air crash in Guam that killed over 200 people. Investigators are examining potential causes, including a bird strike reported by airport authorities. A passenger’s text message before the crash, mentioning a bird stuck in the wing, adds weight to this theory.
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae issued a public apology, emphasizing that the airline would prioritize supporting the victims’ families. The 2009-manufactured plane had no prior accident history, and no irregularities were reported during its departure from Bangkok.
South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, visited the crash site, pledging full government support for rescue and recovery efforts. The tragedy has drawn international condolences, including messages from Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who assured assistance for Thai nationals aboard the flight.
As families grieve and authorities probe the incident, the crash has brought operations at Muan International Airport to a halt, with all flights canceled. Boeing has expressed its condolences and offered support, while investigations into the crash continue.
This disaster underscores the fragility of air travel and the need for rigorous safety measures to prevent such tragedies.
