Jeju Air plane crashes in South Korea: 179 feared dead in fiery incident
Firefighters and rescue personnel work near the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on December 29, 2024. (AFP Photo)
A Jeju Air plane carrying 181 people from Thailand to South Korea crashed during landing on Sunday, colliding with a barrier and bursting into flames at Muan International Airport.
Authorities fear that all but two onboard have perished.
Bird strike, adverse weather cited as likely causes
Preliminary investigations suggest a bird strike and adverse weather conditions as the likely causes of the catastrophic crash.
According to fire officials, the Boeing 737 800 attempted to land at 9:03 AM local time but skidded off the runway, collided with a wall and erupted into flames. The impact reportedly flung passengers out of the aircraft.
“The plane is almost destroyed, making it extremely challenging to identify the deceased,” a fire official informed families during a briefing. Recovery operations remain ongoing.
Heroic rescue efforts amid devastation
Only two survivors—a flight attendant and a passenger—were found alive in the wreckage, both located near the tail section. By early evening, officials confirmed 167 fatalities, though the toll is expected to rise as recovery efforts continue.
Dramatic footage captured the aircraft landing on its belly, smoke billowing from its engines as it skidded along the runway before crashing into a wall. Debris, including luggage and plane seats, was scattered across the field adjacent to the runway.
‘Mayday’ call and final moments
Officials revealed that the pilot issued a ‘Mayday’ distress call two minutes before the crash.
The runway at Muan International Airport, measuring 2,800 meters, has previously accommodated similar aircraft without incident. Authorities have ruled out runway length as a contributing factor.
Lee Jeong-hyun, chief of Muan Fire Station, stated, “The cause is presumed to be a bird strike compounded by adverse weather conditions. A thorough investigation is underway.”
Government and Jeju Air’s response
South Korea‘s acting President, Choi Sang-mok, convened an emergency meeting to oversee rescue operations and later visited the crash site. “No words can console the families who have suffered this unimaginable tragedy,” Choi said.
Jeju Air issued an official apology, pledging full cooperation with authorities and support for the victims’ families. Boeing also released a statement expressing condolences and offering technical assistance in the investigation.
Aviation safety under scrutiny after plane crash
The crash marks the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea in recent years and the first fatal accident in Jeju Air’s history since its establishment in 2005.
Aviation experts note that while South Korea maintains a strong aviation safety record, bird strikes remain a persistent risk globally.
The tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable dangers faced in aviation, even in regions with robust safety regulations. Investigators are expected to release an official report once the probe concludes.
