A devastating air accident occurred at South Korea’s Muan International Airport on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of at least 124 people. A Jeju Air flight crash-landed without landing gear, veered off the runway, and erupted into flames upon impact, according to the national fire agency.
Incident Overview
Jeju Air flight 7C2216, carrying 181 passengers from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted to land shortly after 9:00 a.m. local time. The crash marks the deadliest air accident involving a South Korean airline in nearly three decades, surpassing the 1997 Korean Air crash in Guam that claimed over 200 lives.
Crash Details and Immediate Impact
The twin-engine Boeing 737-800 skidded down the runway without visible landing gear before colliding with a wall in a fiery explosion. Videos and images from the scene revealed flames and smoke engulfing much of the aircraft.
Two crew members, a man and a woman, were rescued from the tail section and are being treated for moderate to severe injuries. Muan fire chief Lee Jung-hyun confirmed that rescue efforts have transitioned to recovery operations, with authorities searching surrounding areas for bodies potentially thrown from the wreckage.
Eyewitness Accounts and Aftermath
The crash site was marked by the smell of aviation fuel and blood, as emergency workers and soldiers combed the area. A temporary morgue was established, and mortuary vehicles lined up to remove the deceased. According to reports, most of the 175 passengers onboard were presumed dead.
Passengers included two Thai nationals, with the remaining believed to be South Koreans. A passenger texted a relative moments before the crash, expressing fears of a bird strike.
Possible Causes Under Investigation
Authorities are exploring factors such as bird strikes and adverse weather conditions as potential causes. Airport officials speculated that a bird strike might have damaged the landing gear. The aircraft, manufactured in 2009, had no prior accident record or reported malfunctions during its departure from Bangkok.
Statements from Authorities and Airlines
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae expressed profound apologies and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. The airline emphasized its commitment to supporting the families of the deceased.
Boeing extended condolences to the victims’ families and assured support for Jeju Air. Meanwhile, the US Federal Aviation Administration has yet to comment.
Government and International Responses
South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok arrived at the crash site, emphasizing the government’s dedication to addressing the crisis. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed their sympathies to the victims and their families.
Operational Disruptions
All flights, both domestic and international, at Muan International Airport have been canceled. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the incident.
Conclusion
This catastrophic crash underscores the importance of aviation safety and the need for thorough investigations to prevent future tragedies. As families mourn their losses, the aviation community and international authorities must work together to uncover the cause of the crash and ensure such accidents do not recur.