A devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea has claimed the lives of at least 85 individuals. The tragedy involved Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800 carrying 181 passengers and crew on a journey from Bangkok to the airport in the country’s southwestern region. The crash occurred shortly after the aircraft landed at approximately 9:00 a.m. local time on Sunday. The plane skidded off the runway, collided with a concrete barrier, and burst into flames.
Preliminary investigations and potential causes
South Korea’s fire chief, Lee Jeong-hyun, reported in a press briefing that the initial cause of the crash is suspected to be a bird strike compounded by adverse weather conditions. These factors likely caused a malfunction in the aircraft’s landing gear. “The cause of the accident is presumed to be a bird strike combined with adverse weather conditions,” Lee stated, adding that the precise cause will be determined following a joint investigation.
Investigators are focusing on the malfunctioning landing gear, which appeared to fail during the aircraft’s approach. Visual evidence suggests the plane landed with its landing gear retracted, contributing to the subsequent collision and fire.
Details of the crash and rescue efforts
Footage from the crash site shows the plane skidding across the runway before crashing into a concrete wall and erupting in flames. Thick black smoke billowed from the wreckage. At least 85 people, including 37 women and 25 men, have been confirmed dead, with the toll expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
The National Fire Agency deployed a robust emergency response, including 32 fire trucks and several helicopters, to extinguish the blaze and aid in rescuing survivors. Two individuals—a passenger and a crew member—were pulled alive from the wreckage. Rescue teams remain at the site, working tirelessly to locate and assist more survivors.
The disaster coincides with a period of political instability in South Korea. Acting President Han Duck-soo was impeached just days earlier, leaving Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok in charge of the national response. Choi has ordered an all-out rescue operation, mobilizing resources to address the crisis. His office also convened an emergency meeting on Sunday to coordinate further measures.
‘I take full responsibility’ says Jeju Air’s CEO
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae expressed deep regret and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as reported by Yonhap News Agency. “Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the CEO,” Kim stated.
In response to the crash, Jeju Air reassured the public that it would dedicate all necessary resources to handle the aftermath. The airline stated, “Jeju Air will spare no effort to respond to the accident,” emphasising its commitment to addressing the crisis.
The airline has pledged support for the victims’ families and cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
International condolences
International condolences have poured in, including from Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who expressed her sympathies for the victims. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” she stated, adding that Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs would offer assistance. Among the passengers were two Thai nationals, heightening international attention on the tragedy.
Context and ongoing investigation
This incident is one of South Korea’s deadliest aviation disasters since 1997, when a Korean Airlines flight crashed in Guam, killing 228 people. Aviation authorities have committed to a thorough investigation, with a focus on the bird strike, landing gear failure, and weather conditions as contributing factors.
As recovery efforts continue, the South Korean government and international community have united to support the victims’ families and ensure aviation safety. The investigation’s findings will be critical in understanding the events that led to the crash and preventing similar tragedies in the future.