Muan, South Korea – A Jeju Air flight returning from Bangkok tragically crashed at Muan International Airport on Sunday, with authorities reporting 179 fatalities out of the 181 people onboard. The incident is being described as South Korea's deadliest aviation disaster since the 1997 Korean Air crash in Guam that claimed 229 lives.
The Yonhap news agency reported that the plane’s landing gear is believed to have malfunctioned upon arrival, leading to a devastating collision with a wall. The impact triggered a massive explosion, engulfing the aircraft in flames. Harrowing images from the scene show a towering plume of black smoke as firefighters battled the inferno.
Video | Moment when #plane veers off #SouthKorean #runway, erupts into #fireball, #casualties mount | https://t.co/Pzs6gRTMoS pic.twitter.com/ZOKG3iD0uc
— Economic Times (@EconomicTimes) December 29, 2024
Two survivors, both crew members, were pulled from the wreckage near the tail section of the plane and are currently receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Their conditions remain critical, according to emergency officials.
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| Jeju Air flight |
South Korea's National Fire Authority confirmed the grim toll, with all other passengers presumed dead. Recovery efforts are ongoing, though the intensity of the fire has complicated operations.
Jeju Air initially released a brief statement but later issued a more heartfelt apology. “Jeju Air deeply bows in apology to all those affected by the Muan Airport accident. Our first priority is to do everything possible to manage this incident. We sincerely apologise for causing concern,” the company stated.
The crash has sparked widespread mourning across South Korea and raised concerns over aviation safety. Investigators are now focused on determining the exact cause of the landing gear malfunction and the sequence of events leading to the crash.
Further updates are expected as authorities continue their investigation and recovery efforts.