A devastating plane crash at South Korea’s Muan International Airport on Sunday morning left at least 85 people dead, with two survivors rescued from the wreckage. The Jeju Air flight, a Boeing 737-800 traveling from Bangkok, Thailand, skidded off the runway during landing and burst into flames, according to South Korea’s National Fire Agency.
The crash occurred at 9:03 am local time (00:03 GMT) as the plane, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, attempted to land. The fire that engulfed the aircraft has been extinguished, but the scene remains catastrophic, with hopes fading for additional survivors. The National Fire Agency reported that the deceased include 46 women and 39 men, while the two rescued individuals are both crew members.
Eyewitnesses described a sequence of explosions following the crash, with thick plumes of black smoke rising from the wreckage. Local media images show the jet’s tail section ablaze beside the runway as firefighters and emergency responders worked to control the inferno.
Initial investigations suggest a malfunction in the plane’s landing gear, possibly caused by a bird strike. The Yonhap news agency cited a message from one passenger, who texted a family member saying, “A bird is stuck in the wing,” before sending a chilling final note: “Should I say my last words?” Officials from the Transport Ministry’s aviation department have confirmed that bird strikes are being investigated as one of several potential causes.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok has called for “all-out efforts” in the rescue operation. “All related agencies must mobilize every resource to save lives,” he urged in a public statement. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the government has promised a comprehensive investigation into the crash’s cause.
Jeju Air, one of South Korea’s largest low-cost carriers, issued an apology, stating, “We deeply regret this tragic accident and are committed to cooperating fully with authorities and supporting the affected families.”
The crash marks Jeju Air’s first fatal incident. However, in 2007, a Bombardier Q400 operated by the airline veered off the runway in Busan-Gimhae due to strong winds, injuring several passengers.
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, expressed condolences and ordered an immediate investigation into whether Thai nationals were aboard the flight. Preliminary reports indicate that two passengers were Thai, while the majority were South Korean.
The crash has sent shockwaves through South Korea, which has an otherwise strong aviation safety record. Experts note that the country has consistently ranked high in global safety standards, making the incident particularly alarming.
The Boeing 737-800 involved in the crash was 15 years old, a common aircraft model known for its reliability. Investigators will examine maintenance records, operational procedures, and flight data to determine whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or external factors like the suspected bird strike played a role.
With 85 confirmed fatalities and only two survivors, this tragedy has become one of South Korea’s worst aviation disasters in decades. As authorities work to identify victims and investigate the cause, grieving families and the global aviation community await answers.
