The tragic jet crash in South Korea that claimed the lives of more than 170 passengers has left the nation mourning and searching for answers. The incident occurred at Muan International Airport in the southwest, where a Jeju Air jet crashed into a wall after departing from the runway. The 181-person jet had been returning from Bangkok, Thailand when disaster struck, resulting in the deaths of 179 individuals and the miraculous survival of two.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, with speculation pointing towards a possible bird strike and severe weather conditions. Experts have suggested that a combination of factors may have led to the tragic event, although the exact circumstances are still being determined.
The plane was attempting to land at Muan International Airport around 09:00 local time when air traffic control issued a bird strike warning, prompting the pilot to abort the initial landing attempt. Two minutes later, the pilot declared a Mayday emergency and was granted permission to land from the opposite direction. Reports from passengers onboard indicated that a bird may have become stuck in the wing of the aircraft, preventing a safe landing. Shocking footage from the scene shows the plane touching down without its landing gear, skidding along the runway before colliding with a wall and bursting into flames.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by a series of explosions as the jet crashed, sending plumes of smoke into the air. Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene to extinguish the flames and search for survivors. In a press conference, Muan fire department commander Lee Jeong-hyun confirmed that the tail of the aircraft was identifiable, but the rest of the plane was severely damaged and unrecognizable. He mentioned the possibility of a bird strike and inclement weather as contributing factors to the crash, emphasizing that a comprehensive investigation is underway.
The airline’s CEO denied any maintenance issues with the aircraft, stating that the lead pilot had extensive flight experience and had been with the company since 2019. Bird strikes are a known hazard in aviation, with thousands of incidents reported annually worldwide. In the UK alone, over 1,400 bird strikes were recorded in 2022, although only a fraction resulted in serious harm to aircraft.
The tragedy has deeply affected the families of the victims, with many gathering at Muan International Airport to await news and mourn their loved ones. Authorities have confirmed that passengers from various nationalities were onboard the flight, with the majority being South Korean citizens returning from a holiday trip to Thailand. The crash represents South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster, with 179 lives lost.
Rescue and recovery efforts have been underway, with nearly 1,500 emergency personnel involved in combing the runway for plane debris and human remains. The National Fire Agency of South Korea reported that two individuals, a man, and a woman, managed to survive the crash and were rescued from the tail section of the plane before being rushed to the hospital for treatment.
In response to the tragedy, the South Korean government has declared a special disaster zone in Muan, providing support to the affected families and local authorities. All flights to and from Muan International Airport have been suspended, and a period of national mourning has been announced to honor the victims. Airlines, including Jeju Air and Boeing, have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and pledged their support in the aftermath of the crash.
As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, the nation of South Korea remains united in grief and solidarity, mourning the loss of those who perished in this tragic event. The memories of the victims will forever be cherished, and their legacy will live on in the hearts of their loved ones and the entire nation.
