Plane crash
Tragic! Plane Crash in South Korea Claims 85 Lives
A catastrophic plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea has claimed the lives of at least 85 people after a Jeju Air flight skidded off the runway and erupted into flames during landing.
The accident occurred on Sunday at 9:03 a.m. local time (00:03 GMT) in Muan city, about 289 kilometers (179 miles) southwest of Seoul, according to South Korea’s National Fire Agency.
The Boeing 737-800 jet, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members on an overnight flight from Bangkok, Thailand, experienced a harrowing crash landing. Emergency officials confirmed 46 women and 39 men among the deceased, with hopes for additional survivors fading.
Eyewitnesses reported the plane landing on its belly before skidding along the runway and catching fire, followed by a series of explosions. Images circulating in local media show thick black smoke and flames engulfing the wreckage as emergency responders worked to control the inferno.
Preliminary investigations suggest a bird strike may have caused the disaster. Yonhap news agency reported that officials believe birds likely damaged the plane’s landing gear, leading to the crash. One passenger reportedly texted a family member before impact, saying, “A bird is stuck in the wing… Should I say my last words?”
The South Korean Transport Ministry has not confirmed the cause, stating that the bird strike is one of several theories under investigation.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok has called for a comprehensive rescue effort, mobilizing all available resources. “Every effort must be made to assist those affected by this tragedy,” he said.
Jeju Air, South Korea’s leading budget carrier, expressed profound regret over the tragedy, the first fatal accident in the airline’s history. “We sincerely apologize and will do everything in our power to respond,” the airline said in a statement.
This devastating crash has sent shockwaves across South Korea, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future.