A tragic plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea has claimed the lives of 179 people, with only two survivors pulled from the wreckage of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800. The incident, which occurred during a landing attempt on Saturday, is being described as the country’s worst air disaster in two decades.
The flight, carrying 181 passengers and crew from Bangkok, Thailand, encountered trouble as it approached the southwestern airport. Footage shows the plane’s right engine striking a bird, which reportedly caused significant damage. Following a mayday call from the pilot, the aircraft attempted a second landing, but the landing gear failed to deploy. The jet skidded on its belly across the runway before colliding with an embankment and erupting into a fireball.
Emergency responders recovered the jet’s black box, which will aid investigators in determining the exact cause of the crash. The undercarriage failure and engine damage are central to the investigation.
Among the 181 onboard, 179 are presumed dead. The confirmed fatalities include passengers ranging in age from a three-year-old child to a 78-year-old senior. Five children under 10 were among the deceased, alongside two Thai nationals. The confirmed survivors—a male and female crew member—were rescued from the tail section of the aircraft.
Emergency services continue to comb through the smoldering wreckage, but officials have warned that identifying some victims may be impossible due to the extent of the damage.
A haunting text message from one passenger, revealed after the crash, read: “Just now, should I say my last words?” Families of the victims have gathered at the airport, mourning loved ones and seeking answers as investigators piece together the disaster’s timeline.
The tragedy has left South Korea reeling, prompting an outpouring of grief and calls for enhanced aviation safety measures. This incident marks a stark reminder of the need for stringent oversight and rapid response capabilities to mitigate risks during emergencies.
The global aviation community awaits further details from South Korean authorities as they work tirelessly to uncover the cause of the crash.
