A catastrophic plane crash at South Korea’s Muan International Airport has claimed the lives of at least 124 people, marking one of the deadliest aviation incidents in recent history. The tragedy unfolded on Sunday morning when a Jeju Air flight, arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, veered off the runway during its landing attempt and caught fire.
Incident Overview
The flight, a Jeju Air-operated Boeing 737-800, was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members. The crash occurred at 9:03 a.m. local time, with early reports suggesting that malfunctioning landing gear or a potential bird strike caused the accident. Upon impact, the plane skidded along the runway before bursting into flames. Thick black smoke engulfed the site as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
Survivor Accounts and Eyewitness Testimonies
Two crew members have reportedly survived the crash, though their conditions remain critical. Eyewitnesses describe a harrowing sequence of events involving loud explosions and a devastating fire that consumed the aircraft.
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One passenger is said to have sent a chilling final text message to a relative, writing, “Should I say my last words?” before the plane crash-landed.
Emergency Response and Investigation
South Korea’s National Fire Agency confirmed the fatalities, including 57 women, 54 men, and 13 individuals whose identities are yet to be determined. Rescue teams managed to extinguish the fire within hours, but hopes for additional survivors have dimmed.
Authorities are exploring several theories for the crash, including a bird strike that may have jammed the landing gear. An official investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the disaster.
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Global and National Reactions
Leaders worldwide, including Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, have expressed condolences to the victims’ families. Jeju Air has also issued a formal apology and pledged to assist in the investigation and provide support to those affected.
Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok has called for an “all-out effort” to rescue and assist victims while ensuring a thorough inquiry into the tragedy.
South Korea’s Aviation Safety Record
Despite the tragic nature of this incident, South Korea has maintained a strong aviation safety record over the years. Jeju Air, one of the country’s largest budget carriers, has had a clean safety record until now, though a minor incident occurred in 2007 involving runway overshooting due to strong winds.
The Human Cost
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers of air travel. Families of the victims now face an unimaginable loss as investigators piece together the final moments of the flight.
Conclusion
As South Korea mourns this devastating event, the global aviation community will closely follow the investigation for answers and improvements to safety protocols. For now, the focus remains on honoring the lives lost and supporting the survivors and their families.
FAQs
1. What caused the crash at Muan International Airport?
Investigators are still determining the cause, but early theories include malfunctioning landing gear or a bird strike.
2. How many survivors were there?
Two crew members survived but are in critical condition.
3. Was this Jeju Air’s first fatal crash?
Yes, this marks the first fatal crash for Jeju Air since its inception in 2005.
4. How has South Korea responded to the tragedy?
The government has mobilized emergency resources and initiated a full-scale investigation into the crash.
5. What is being done to support the victims’ families?
Jeju Air and government agencies have pledged assistance to families and survivors, offering both financial and emotional support.
