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Jeju Air Crash, Worst South Korean Air Disaster in Decades

 



Update on 30/12/2024 - 179 death with just two people plucked alive from the wreckage.

At least 124 people lost their lives on Sunday (Dec. 29) when Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crash-landed at Muan International Airport, South Korea. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 arriving from Bangkok with 181 people on board, veered off the runway, struck a wall, and burst into flames, making it the deadliest air disaster involving a South Korean airline since 1997.

Details of the Crash

The accident occurred at 9am local time, with initial investigations pointing to a possible bird strike that may have caused the landing gear to fail. Local media footage showed the plane skidding without its wheels before exploding on impact.

Only the tail section of the aircraft retained some recognizable structure, and two crew members were rescued from this area with severe injuries. Most of the 175 passengers and 6 crew members aboard are presumed dead, according to emergency responders.

Immediate Aftermath

By 1pm, the fire had been extinguished, but recovery efforts were ongoing, including searches in nearby areas for remains possibly thrown from the plane. A temporary morgue was set up near the crash site, where the air reeked of aviation fuel and blood, witnesses reported.

Mortuary vehicles lined up to transport bodies, while workers in protective suits combed through the wreckage. The two survivors, both crew members, were hospitalized.

Passenger Accounts

A passenger reportedly texted a relative saying a bird was stuck in the wing, with a chilling final message: “Should I say my last words?” The victims included two Thai nationals, while the rest are believed to be South Koreans.

Investigations and Possible Causes

South Korea’s transport ministry and the airline are investigating the crash, focusing on bird strikes and weather conditions. The control tower had issued a bird strike warning before the plane made its mayday call a minute prior to the crash.

The Boeing 737-800, manufactured in 2009, had no prior record of accidents. Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae apologized publicly, pledging full cooperation with investigators and prioritizing support for victims’ families.

Broader Implications

All domestic and international flights at Muan International Airport have been suspended. Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok visited the crash site, assuring that government resources are being fully deployed to manage the aftermath.

South Korea’s aviation sector, known for its strong safety record, has faced only minor incidents in recent years. Jeju Air, founded in 2005, had not previously experienced any fatal accidents. The crash has drawn comparisons to the 1997 Korean Air disaster in Guam, which claimed over 200 lives.

Global Reactions

Boeing expressed condolences and promised technical support to Jeju Air. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also extended sympathies and assured assistance for the Thai nationals affected.

The crash marks a somber chapter for Jeju Air and the South Korean aviation industry, with recovery efforts continuing and families grieving their devastating loss.



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Location: South Korea

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