A plane carrying 181 individuals, including 175 passengers and six crew members, crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea. The incident occurred after the plane attempted to land but received a bird strike warning from air traffic control, prompting it to delay the landing. Moments later, the pilot declared a Mayday and received clearance to land from an alternate direction. Tragically, the aircraft landed without deploying its wheels or landing gear, skidded along the runway, and collided with a wall, resulting in an explosion.
The crash resulted in a significant loss of life, with authorities reporting 176 fatalities as of the latest updates. Two crew members were rescued from the wreckage and transported to the hospital. Rescue teams are working to identify victims, and thus far, 22 individuals have been named. It is believed that most passengers had been returning from Thailand after holiday celebrations.
South Korea’s National Fire Agency activated response level 3, mobilizing over 1,500 emergency personnel to the crash site. This included nearly 500 fire department staff and 455 police officers. Authorities have declared the area a special disaster zone, emphasizing their commitment to recovery efforts.
Investigators are focusing on the likelihood of a bird strike and adverse weather conditions as contributing factors to the crash. The aircraft’s flight recorder has been retrieved, though the voice recorder remains missing. Fire officials highlighted the extent of the explosion, which left the plane’s body almost entirely unrecognizable, with only the tail section remaining intact.
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud explosion and seeing sparks and black smoke emanating from the aircraft. A local resident reported noticing a spark on the right wing moments before the crash, while others recalled a series of explosions and billowing smoke.
This tragic event marks the deadliest aviation accident in South Korea to date. Jeju Air, the airline involved, had no prior record of fatal accidents since its inception in 2005. The company issued an apology to victims’ families, while the aircraft manufacturer extended condolences.
In a bid to assist affected families, South Korea’s railway corporation arranged free train services to the site. Government officials and relatives of victims have been arriving at Muan Airport to grieve and await updates.
The crash has drawn attention to flight safety standards, even as South Korea has maintained a strong aviation safety record in recent years. This incident is also likely to have lasting effects on Jeju Air, a prominent budget airline in the region.
South Korea’s acting president, who recently assumed office, declared the area a special disaster zone and pledged all available resources for recovery and support efforts. Expressing condolences, he emphasized the government’s commitment to aiding the injured and affected families.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are expected to release more details about the causes of the crash and its broader implications. The National Fire Agency continues to update the death toll, and recovery operations are ongoing.
