A Jeju Air flight carrying 181 people from Bangkok to South Korea tragically crashed during landing at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning, leaving 179 feared dead and only two survivors.
The Boeing 737-800 skidded off the runway, collided with a barrier, and burst into flames, scattering passengers from the wreckage. Initial investigations suggest a combination of bird strikes and adverse weather conditions may have caused the devastating crash.
Fire officials described the scene as harrowing, with the plane almost completely destroyed and identifying victims proving a painstaking process. By mid-afternoon, 120 fatalities were confirmed. The two survivors, both flight attendants, were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital.
Video footage captured the aircraft landing on its belly before sliding off the runway and exploding. The crash occurred at 9:03 a.m. local time, just minutes after the pilot issued a Mayday call.
South Korea’s Ministry of Land stated that the aircraft had 175 passengers, including two Thai nationals, and six crew onboard. The crash occurred two minutes after a bird strike warning was issued.
Authorities ruled out the possibility of the runway being too short, citing its adequate 2,800-meter length. The exact cause of the crash will be determined by a joint investigation.
South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and vowed comprehensive support. “No words of consolation suffice for the bereaved families,” Choi said during a visit to Muan.
Jeju Air issued an apology, stating, “We sincerely apologise for causing concern and will do everything to support those affected.” Boeing also pledged to assist in the investigation.
The incident marks Jeju Air’s first fatal crash since its establishment in 2005. The airline, one of South Korea’s largest low-cost carriers, previously experienced a non-fatal accident in 2007 when strong winds caused a runway overrun.
Bird strikes remain a significant threat to aviation, capable of disabling engines. This crash is reminiscent of past incidents, such as the 2009 “Miracle on the Hudson,” where a US Airways flight safely landed on the Hudson River after bird strikes disabled both engines.
