Muan, South Korea – In a devastating turn of events, a Jeju Air flight, identified as Flight 2216, crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport early Sunday morning, resulting in the loss of 179 lives. The incident has been marked as the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea’s history, with only two survivors reported from the 181 passengers and crew on board.
The flight, which had taken off from Bangkok, Thailand, was nearing its destination when disaster struck. According to preliminary reports, the plane’s landing gear failed to deploy, leading to the aircraft skidding off the runway and colliding with a concrete wall, erupting into flames. The crash happened around 9:00 AM local time, with the exact cause still under investigation, though officials have not ruled out the possibility of a bird strike or adverse weather conditions contributing to the tragedy.
Witnesses on the ground reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing the aircraft sliding without its landing gear before the catastrophic impact. The scene was quickly inundated with emergency response teams, including 80 firefighters and over 30 fire trucks, working tirelessly to manage the aftermath and search for survivors. However, the rescue efforts could only save two individuals, both flight crew members, who are currently receiving treatment for medium to severe injuries.
The South Korean government has declared a seven-day national mourning period, with Acting President Choi Sang-mok visiting the site to offer condolences and oversee the initial stages of the response. Jeju Air’s CEO issued a public apology, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to supporting the investigation and the families affected by the tragedy.
The incident has sparked a significant outpouring of grief across the nation and internationally, with condolences coming from leaders like the Indian Foreign Minister and the Canadian Prime Minister. The crash has also led to the cancellation or postponement of various entertainment events, including the MBC Entertainment Awards, as a sign of respect for the victims.
Investigators have retrieved the flight data recorder, but the search for the cockpit voice recorder continues, which will be crucial for understanding the moments leading up to the crash. Bird strikes and weather conditions are among the leading hypotheses, with some reports indicating that the aircraft was warned about birds in the vicinity before the attempt to land.
This tragic event has not only left a profound impact on the families of the victims but has also reignited discussions about aviation safety, particularly the risks posed by bird strikes and the design of airport perimeters. As the investigation proceeds, the aviation community and the public await answers to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents in the future.