TNL Network
Seoul, Dec 30: A tragic aviation disaster struck South Korea on Sunday when a Jeju Air passenger plane skidded off a runway, crashed into a concrete fence, and burst into flames after its front landing gear failed to deploy. The crash, one of the country’s worst, claimed the lives of 179 people out of the 181 on board.
The plane, a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800, had arrived from Bangkok and was attempting to land at Muan, located about 290 kilometers south of Seoul. The incident occurred at 9:03 AM, as reported by the Transport Ministry.
The victims included 85 women, 84 men, and 10 others whose genders could not immediately be identified. Among the dead were predominantly South Korean nationals, along with two Thai citizens. Health officials confirmed that two crew members survived, both in stable condition.
The crash unfolded when the aircraft, with its landing gear apparently still retracted, overshot the runway and collided with a concrete wall at the end of the airport’s airstrip. This caused a massive fire that engulfed the plane, leaving only the tail section recognizable among the wreckage.
Footage from the scene showed the plane skidding at high speed before the explosion, followed by thick plumes of black smoke. The fire agency deployed over 1,570 personnel, including firefighters, police, and soldiers, to contain the blaze. Helicopters were also dispatched to assist in firefighting efforts.
Investigators are probing the causes of the crash. Initial reports indicated that a bird strike warning was issued shortly before the aircraft’s landing, and the pilot had been given permission to land in a different area. The plane sent out a distress signal before the crash.
Transport Ministry officials have retrieved the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, which will be examined by experts. A thorough investigation into the crash may take months, with the Muan airport runway expected to remain closed until January 1.
Jeju Air expressed deep apologies, with President Kim E-bae taking responsibility for the tragedy and offering condolences to the families of the victims. The airline confirmed the plane had passed regular safety checkups and was in proper condition when it departed Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, also offered her condolences and instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide immediate assistance to those affected.
As authorities continue their investigation, the families of the victims mourned their loss, with some visibly devastated as the names of the deceased were read at the Muan airport.
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