Summary: At least 122 people have been confirmed dead after a Jeju Air flight crashed while landing at South Korea’s Muan International Airport. The Boeing 737-800, carrying 181 individuals, veered off the runway and ignited in flames, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the country’s recent history.
Details of the Incident
The ill-fated flight had originated from Bangkok and was attempting to land at Muan International Airport around 9 a.m. local time on December 29, 2024. As the aircraft approached the runway, it veered off course, collided with a perimeter fence, and burst into flames. The incident left only 59 survivors, with two individuals rescued from the wreckage by emergency teams.
Rescue Operations
Emergency services swiftly responded to the crash, deploying at least 32 fire trucks and dozens of firefighters to the scene. Despite their efforts, the intense flames and wreckage made rescue operations challenging. Among the survivors, many sustained severe injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. South Korea’s Acting President Choi Sang-mok praised the rapid response of emergency teams and called for all available resources to assist in ongoing rescue efforts.
Preliminary Investigations
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, with early reports suggesting a possible malfunction in the landing gear. Officials believe the issue may have been triggered by a bird strike during the aircraft’s descent. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway, including analysis of the plane’s black box recorders.
Rising Casualty Count
Initially, reports stated 29 fatalities, but as search and recovery operations continued, the death toll rose sharply to 122. The identities of the victims are being verified, and authorities have promised to provide timely updates to families.
Government and Airline Response
Acting President Choi convened an emergency meeting with cabinet members to address the crisis and ensure support for affected families. “We must spare no effort to support rescue operations and provide assistance to the victims’ families during this difficult time,” he said. Jeju Air, which has operated without fatal accidents since its establishment in 2005, expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
Context and Implications
The crash marks a tragic milestone for South Korea, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in aviation safety despite the country’s strong safety record. It also underscores the importance of stringent maintenance and inspection protocols for aircraft operating under high-demand conditions.
Further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
Sources:
Image: wikipedia.org
