On December 29, 2024, a horrific plane crash in South Korea claimed the lives of 177 individuals aboard a Boeing 737-800, operated by Jeju Air. The flight, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, was landing at Muan International Airport when it crash-landed on its belly after potentially malfunctioning landing gear. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane erupt into flames upon impact, marking the worst aviation disaster in the country in nearly thirty years.
Tragic Plane Crash Shakes South Korea: 177 Lives Lost in Disaster
Tragic Plane Crash Shakes South Korea: 177 Lives Lost in Disaster
A Boeing 737-800 carrying 181 passengers crashes during landing at Muan International Airport, leading to the highest death toll in decades.
According to the National Fire Agency, emergency services were only able to rescue two crew members from the tail section of the wreckage, as the fuselage broke apart, making recovery efforts difficult. The ill-fated Flight 7C2216 had originated from Bangkok, Thailand, and was nearing its destination when the incident occurred around 9 a.m. local time.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, with early reports indicating a possible bird strike prior to a mayday alert from the cockpit. Ju Jong-wan from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport addressed the media, revealing that airport officials had warned the aircraft of the potential bird encounter right before the crash—factors that may also include weather conditions leading up to the landing.
As rescue operations continue and investigations are underway, this tragedy has not only devastated the families of those aboard but has also sent shockwaves through the aviation industry in South Korea and beyond.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, with early reports indicating a possible bird strike prior to a mayday alert from the cockpit. Ju Jong-wan from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport addressed the media, revealing that airport officials had warned the aircraft of the potential bird encounter right before the crash—factors that may also include weather conditions leading up to the landing.
As rescue operations continue and investigations are underway, this tragedy has not only devastated the families of those aboard but has also sent shockwaves through the aviation industry in South Korea and beyond.
