Overview of the Tragic Incident
In the Sunday morning air crash at South Korea's Muan International Airport, at least 85 people were killed. The Airliner landed without the proper operational functionality of its landing gear. The airplane was hijacked off to the runway side and crashed into a wall to explode into flames. This is one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korea's history.
Flight Information and Timing
The aircraft, Jeju Air flight 7C2216, had departed Bangkok, Thailand. At the time of the crash, it was carrying 181 individuals. The accident reportedly occurred close to 9 AM local time (0000 GMT) when the plane attempted to land at Muan Airport in southern South Korea.
Government and Rescue Efforts
The South Korean transport ministry confirmed the accident and noted that it was the deadliest air disaster involving a South Korean airline in almost 30 years. The tragic event has shocked the nation.
Two crew members, a man and a woman, were rescued from the partially intact tail section of the plane. By 1 p.m., the fire was doused, but the aircraft left behind was almost unrecognizable, with only its tail section showing recognizable forms. Muan Fire Chief Lee Hyun said, "The rest of the plane is almost completely destroyed."
Search and Recovery Operations
The search is still going on, with the authorities trying to locate the victims who may have been thrown out of the aircraft because of the high impact. The two survivors are receiving medical attention, with injuries ranging from moderate to severe.
According to reports, most of the passengers and crew members are believed to have died in the crash. At least 58 bodies have been recovered, though this number may change as more of the wreckage is searched.
Crash Footage and Investigation
Local news footage shows the Boeing 737-800 skidding down the runway without any visible landing gear before hitting a wall, igniting a large explosion and fire. More footage shows thick black smoke rising from the wreckage.
This is the most devastating South Korean air crash since the 1997 Korean Air disaster in Guam that killed over 200 people. The investigators are now considering bird strikes and bad weather as possible causes of the accident. A passenger reportedly messaged a relative about a bird being stuck in the plane's wing before the crash. The final message from the passenger read, "Should I say my last words?"
Passengers and Aircraft Details
Two of the passengers were from Thailand, and the remaining must have been South Koreans. The aircraft was a Boeing 737-800 manufactured by Jeju Air in 2009. Jeju Air has expressed concern about the incident and is attempting to gather more information about it.
Condolences and Support
Boeing has offered its condolences, saying, “We are in contact with Jeju Air and are ready to provide assistance. Our deepest sympathy goes to the families of those who lost their loved ones.”
All domestic and international flights into and out of Muan Airport were grounded. South Korean Acting President Choi Sang-mok visited the crash site and offered his support to continuing recovery efforts. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra shared her condolences and instructed her country's foreign ministry to assist in this situation.
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