The news reports indicate that all but two people are feared dead after a plane crash in South Korea. The Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport, leaving all but two feared dead. The two survivors were flight attendants, and 120 people were confirmed dead.
Muan, South Korea – A Jeju Air plane carrying 181 people from Thailand to South Korea crashed at Muan International Airport on Sunday, leaving all but two feared dead. The Boeing 737-800 burst into flames after skidding off the runway, smashing into a barrier, and exploding. Authorities have pointed to a bird strike and bad weather as possible causes of the plane crash.
The accident occurred just minutes after the pilot issued a “Mayday” call. Video footage showed the plane landing on its belly, skidding as smoke poured from its engines before the crash.
Fire officials reported that passengers were ejected from the aircraft on impact, leaving little chance of survival. By mid-afternoon, 120 fatalities were confirmed, with only two survivors—both flight attendants. Rescuers are still working to recover remains from the wreckage, described as “almost completely destroyed.”
The plane was en route from Bangkok, carrying 175 passengers, including two Thai nationals, and six crew members. Despite speculation, officials ruled out the airport’s runway length as a cause, stating it met safety standards for such aircraft.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok expressed condolences and pledged government support for affected families. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” he said, after visiting the crash site. Jeju Air apologized for the incident and promised full cooperation with investigations.
History Of Fatal Plane Accidents
On August 12, 2007, a Bombardier Q400 operated by Jeju Air carrying 74 passengers came off the runway due to strong winds at the southern Busan-Gimhae airport, resulting in a dozen injuries.
In 2009, a US Airways Airbus A320 famously landed in New York´s Hudson River after bird strikes on both of its engines, in an incident widely known as the “Miracle on the Hudson” because there was no loss of life.
Leaders worldwide, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, extended their condolences to the victims’ families and the South Korean government.
