Tragic Accident Overview

In a tragic accident on Sunday morning, a Jeju Air flight carrying 181 individuals, including 175 passengers and 6 crew members, crashed during an emergency landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea. Authorities have confirmed that 179 people are presumed dead, while two individuals—a passenger and a crew member—managed to survive and are currently receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.

Details of the Crash

The ill-fated Boeing 737-800 flight from Bangkok attempted a belly landing around 9:03 AM local time after its landing gear reportedly failed to deploy. Eyewitness accounts describe a series of loud, distressing 'bangs' just before the aircraft collided with the airport’s perimeter wall, splitting in two and erupting in flames. Disturbing footage broadcasted by local media appears to show a potential bird strike contributing to the aircraft's distress during its descent.

Historical Context

If the death toll is confirmed, this incident would mark South Korea’s deadliest domestic civil aviation disaster. Historical precedents include the 1993 Asiana Airlines crash in Mokpo, which resulted in 68 fatalities, and the 2002 Air China crash near Gimhae Airport that claimed the lives of 129 passengers.

Government Response

The South Korean Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has publicly expressed condolences to the victims’ families and is reportedly coordinating with foreign affairs to ascertain whether any Thai nationals were affected. Initial reports suggest that at least two Thai citizens were aboard the flight.

Flight Details

This flight operated on a newly re-established route between Muan and Bangkok, which only re-launched in early December. Many of the passengers were said to be returning from a holiday package trip. Tragically, recovery operations have shifted from rescue efforts to recovery as officials confirm the aircraft’s fuselage was severely damaged, making the identification of victims a challenging task.

Airline's Response

Jeju Air responded to the crisis by altering its website to a somber black background and issuing a heartfelt apology. The airline stated that they are prioritizing support for the affected families and will fully cooperate with authorities throughout the investigation.

Crisis Management

In the wake of this disaster, South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport activated its Central Accident Management Headquarters, emphasizing its commitment to managing the crisis and ensuring a thorough investigation. The first responders, comprising firefighting and rescue teams, have been working tirelessly, with temporary morgues established due to the tragic circumstances.

Conclusion

As this story unfolds, the nation is left grappling with the implications of this catastrophic event, marking a grim chapter in South Korea's aviation history. Keep an eye out for updates as authorities work to reveal the causes behind this heartbreaking accident.