The tragic crash of a Jeju Air plane at Muan International Airport in South Korea has claimed 179 lives. The devastating accident occurred on Sunday morning, leaving only two survivors, both crew members.
Two people survived, while 179 lost their lives in a tragic plane crash at a South Korean airport on Sunday. The flight had 181 passengers and crew onboard.
Details of the Jeju Air Plane Crash
The Jeju Air flight, a Boeing 737-800, was en route from Bangkok to Muan. It was carrying 181 people, including 175 passengers and six crew members.
According to authorities, the plane crash-landed and burst into flames. Most of the victims have been identified, but efforts are ongoing to determine the identities of others.
Rescue teams are working tirelessly at the site. Over 700 personnel, including police, military, and coast-guard members, are involved.
Survivors and Boeing’s Response
Two crew members, a male and a female, survived the crash. They were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Boeing, the plane’s manufacturer, expressed its condolences to the victims’ families. The company stated it is working closely with Jeju Air and authorities to investigate the cause of the tragedy.
Investigations Begin
Officials have suggested a bird strike or landing gear malfunction might have caused the crash. Video footage shows the plane sliding on its belly before bursting into flames.
Clear weather at the time adds to the mystery. Aviation experts are puzzled, as the Boeing 737-800 has a strong safety record and is considered reliable.
Reactions and Condolences
South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, visited the crash site. He directed emergency responders to use all available resources to aid recovery efforts.
Families of the victims are mourning their loved ones as authorities work to provide answers.
Experts have called the crash “perplexing” given the excellent flying conditions and the aircraft’s reliability. The exact sequence of events remains unclear, but investigators are determined to find answers.
Mayday Call Followed Bird Warning
The Jeju Air plane that crashed at Muan International Airport made a mayday call shortly after a warning from the control tower about birds in the area.
According to the Land Ministry, the pilot was alerted to the presence of birds near runway no.01 during an initial landing attempt. Just a minute later, the pilot issued a mayday call.
The control tower then instructed the plane to land on runway no.19 in the opposite direction. While following these instructions, the jet struck navigation equipment on the ground and ultimately crashed into a wall.
The crash occurred just two minutes after the mayday call. Investigations into the sequence of events are ongoing.
Jeju Air Plane Crash Black Box Recovered
Investigators have recovered the flight data recorder, commonly known as the black box. However, the cockpit voice recorder is still missing.
These devices are critical for understanding what led to the crash and piecing together the incident. Authorities are continuing their efforts to recover additional evidence and provide answers about this tragic accident.
