179 Feared Dead After Plane Crash at South Korean Airport
A Jeju Air plane carrying 181 people skidded off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, returning from Bangkok, collided with a concrete wall and burst into flames.
Emergency officials believe a bird strike may have damaged the landing gear. Footage shows the plane sliding along the runway before slamming into the wall and catching fire.
The National Fire Agency reported that 179 passengers are presumed dead. Two crew members were rescued from the tail section of the burning plane and are in stable condition.
At least 82 men and 83 women are among the victims, with 22 identified through fingerprints. Eleven bodies were too severely burned for immediate identification.
Families gathered at the airport, some receiving heartbreaking last messages from loved ones. One passenger texted, “Should I say my last words?” before the crash.
South Korea deployed 32 fire trucks, helicopters, and over 1,500 responders to control the fire and assist with rescue efforts. The runway is now closed until January 1, while investigations continue.
Officials retrieved the plane’s black box to determine the cause of the crash. Jeju Air and Boeing expressed condolences, with Jeju Air’s CEO bowing in apology during a press conference.
“We deeply apologize to all those affected,” the airline said in a statement. Investigators will examine the flight data and cockpit voice recordings.
The crash is one of South Korea’s worst aviation disasters. The country’s last major air disaster was in 1997, killing 228 people. In 2013, an Asiana Airlines crash in San Francisco killed three and injured hundreds.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok called for full resources to save lives and support families. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also expressed condolences and pledged assistance.
Boeing confirmed contact with Jeju Air, stating, “We extend our deepest condolences.” Search and rescue operations are ongoing, as South Korea grieves another aviation tragedy.
