The crash investigation is ongoing as authorities explore multiple possible causes, including bad weather and a bird strike.
Deadly South Korea Plane Crash Claims 179 Lives
Deadly South Korea Plane Crash Claims 179 Lives
Tragic incident occurs as Jeju Air flight collides with runway barriers.
More than 179 people tragically lost their lives in a plane crash as a Jeju Air flight landed at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday morning. The flight was returning from Bangkok with 181 people on board when it veered off the runway upon landing, ultimately colliding with a barrier and bursting into flames. Only two crew members survived the wreckage.
Witnesses reported hearing loud explosions as the Boeing 737-800 overshot the runway and subsequently crashed. The flight, designated 7C2216, had been cleared for landing at approximately 08:54 local time—a warning about bird activity was issued just three minutes prior. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported a bird strike and attempted a go-around, but was authorized to land again shortly after.
In the aftermath, harrowing footage has emerged showing the flaming wreck of the aircraft, while emergency crews were able to rescue two crew members about 30 minutes after the crash. The head of the Muan fire department speculated that the bird strike and adverse weather conditions could have contributed to the accident, but officials have stressed that the investigation remains ongoing with many factors still being considered.
So far, officials have managed to identify 141 bodies, and family members at Muan Airport have provided DNA samples to assist in further identifications. Among the deceased are children, including a three-year-old boy, while the oldest victim was 78 years old. Families are mourning the loss of loved ones, with one relative expressing heartache over the double tragedy of losing an entire family.
In response to the disaster, South Korea's acting President has initiated a nationwide investigation into airline safety. Muan has been declared a special disaster zone, allowing for government funding for affected families and regions. As the nation enters a mourning period, flight operations at Muan International Airport have been suspended. Affected airline Boeing has expressed its support to Jeju Air, which has extended its sympathies to the families of the victims.
Witnesses reported hearing loud explosions as the Boeing 737-800 overshot the runway and subsequently crashed. The flight, designated 7C2216, had been cleared for landing at approximately 08:54 local time—a warning about bird activity was issued just three minutes prior. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported a bird strike and attempted a go-around, but was authorized to land again shortly after.
In the aftermath, harrowing footage has emerged showing the flaming wreck of the aircraft, while emergency crews were able to rescue two crew members about 30 minutes after the crash. The head of the Muan fire department speculated that the bird strike and adverse weather conditions could have contributed to the accident, but officials have stressed that the investigation remains ongoing with many factors still being considered.
So far, officials have managed to identify 141 bodies, and family members at Muan Airport have provided DNA samples to assist in further identifications. Among the deceased are children, including a three-year-old boy, while the oldest victim was 78 years old. Families are mourning the loss of loved ones, with one relative expressing heartache over the double tragedy of losing an entire family.
In response to the disaster, South Korea's acting President has initiated a nationwide investigation into airline safety. Muan has been declared a special disaster zone, allowing for government funding for affected families and regions. As the nation enters a mourning period, flight operations at Muan International Airport have been suspended. Affected airline Boeing has expressed its support to Jeju Air, which has extended its sympathies to the families of the victims.
