Deadly plane crash claims 127 lives in South Korea

A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 flight carrying 181 passengers crashed while landing at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, South Korea, leaving at least 127 people dead.

The flight, which had departed from Bangkok, Thailand, veered off the runway during its landing approach. Eyewitness footage shows the plane colliding with a wall before bursting into flames. Two survivors, identified as flight crew members, were rescued from the tail section of the wreckage and are currently hospitalized.

Suspected Causes Under Investigation

Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the crash. However, fire officials believe a bird strike and poor weather conditions may have contributed. The plane’s flight recorder has been recovered, but the voice recorder remains missing. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances leading to the disaster.

Government Declares Special Disaster Zone

In response to the tragedy, Acting President Choi Sang-mok declared Muan a special disaster zone, ensuring swift deployment of central government resources to aid recovery efforts and support victims’ families. “I express my deepest condolences to the many victims in the incident,” Choi said in a statement.

More than 1,500 emergency personnel, including 490 fire service workers and 455 police officers, have been mobilized to comb through the wreckage and recover bodies.

Global Reactions and Apologies

Jeju Air’s CEO, Kim E-bae, has publicly apologized to the victims’ families, pledging full support for their needs. The airline has also updated its website to display a condolence message. Plane manufacturer Boeing expressed its sympathies and confirmed it is cooperating with Jeju Air and South Korean authorities.

Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, extended condolences after Thai officials confirmed that two of the passengers were Thai nationals.

Airport Operations Disrupted

All domestic and international flights from Muan International Airport have been canceled indefinitely, according to local reports. To assist those affected, the Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail) is providing free train services from Seoul Station to Mokpo Station, located near the airport.

Worst Aviation Disaster in South Korea’s History

This crash is now the deadliest aviation accident on South Korean soil, surpassing the 2002 Air China crash that claimed 129 lives. Jeju Air, South Korea’s leading low-cost carrier, has operated since 2005 without any previous fatal incidents.

Credit: BBC