A South Korean plane crash has left only two survivors, both crew members, out of 181 people on board. Officials have confirmed 179 fatalities from the Jeju Air flight, a Boeing 737-800 traveling from Bangkok to Muan.
Kim Yong-cheol, a 70-year-old eyewitness near the airport, described the horrifying scene. He told Yonhap News, “I saw the plane descending and thought it was landing, but then I noticed a flash of light. There was a loud bang, smoke, and then several explosions.”
The plane reportedly missed its initial landing attempt and circled back before crashing into a wall at Muan International Airport.
Government officials are investigating whether a bird strike caused the crash, potentially damaging the plane’s landing gear. A mayday alert was sent just one minute after air traffic control warned of bird activity. Two minutes later, the plane went down.
Local television broadcast footage showing an explosion on one side of the plane as it approached the airport. Emergency teams, including 32 fire trucks and helicopters, rushed to the site. Rescuers pulled out the two surviving crew members, who remain conscious.
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae issued a public apology, saying, “We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The cause is unclear, and we await the investigation results. We will fully cooperate with authorities and support the affected families.”
Firefighters have contained the fire, but the wreckage is extensive, with only the tail section recognizable. Emergency officials say search teams are still recovering bodies scattered from the impact.
Boeing released a statement offering condolences and support to Jeju Air. Thailand’s Prime Minister also expressed sympathies, as two Thai nationals were among the passengers.
This crash is one of South Korea’s worst aviation disasters, with parallels to past tragedies. Investigations are ongoing, with officials exploring mechanical issues or external factors like bird strikes.
Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok called for all resources to aid in rescue efforts and is overseeing emergency responses.
