Worst Air Crash: Jeju Air Flight Tragedy in South Korea
A Jeju Air flight crashes at Muan Airport, killing over 120; rescue efforts underway for remaining victims.
South Korea December 29 : In one of the worst air disasters South Korea has seen in decades, a Jeju Air flight carrying 175 passengers and six crew members crashed at Muan International Airport early Sunday morning. The Boeing 737-800 jet, en route from Bangkok, Thailand, veered off the runway during landing at 9 a.m. local time and burst into flames upon impact.
The South Korean Ministry of Transport confirmed that the aircraft skidded without its landing gear deployed, eventually slamming into a wall at the airport. The crash triggered an explosion that engulfed the plane in flames, leaving only two crew members as survivors, while the fate of others remains uncertain.
As of now, fire authorities at the airport have recovered 120 bodies from the wreckage, though the number is not final. This incident is shaping up to be South Korea’s deadliest air crash in history, surpassing records from nearly three decades ago.
We have received the terrible news of a plane crash in South Korea with many fatalities. Our condolences go out to the families of those killed in the crash and we wish those injured a speedy recovery. — Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) December 29, 2024
Videos circulating on local media show the harrowing scene of the twin-engine jet skidding across the runway before erupting into a fireball. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke billowing from the airport, sparking immediate emergency responses from fire and rescue teams.
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Among the passengers, the transportation ministry reported two Thai nationals, with the rest believed to be South Korean citizens. The crash has left families in despair as they await news of their loved ones. Jeju Air, a low-cost airline, stated that they are currently working to gather details on the cause of the crash and assess the total casualties.
In response, South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered an "all-out rescue operation" to ensure no efforts are spared in searching for potential survivors and recovering bodies. Teams of emergency personnel, supported by local volunteers, are working tirelessly at the crash site.
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The Boeing 737-800 model involved in the accident is a widely used aircraft, known for its reliability. Experts speculate that mechanical failure or pilot error during the landing process could be among the reasons for the crash. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft’s black box for further insights.
This tragedy comes as a stark reminder of the risks associated with air travel, even as it remains one of the safest modes of transportation. The nation mourns as it faces the devastating loss of so many lives in a single moment. A full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of this calamity and to prevent such disasters in the future.
By Snehaa Goyyal
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