A devastating plane crash in South Korea has claimed the lives of at least 85 people after a Jeju Air flight skidded off the runway and caught fire during landing at Muan International Airport.
The accident occurred on Sunday at 9:03 am local time (00:03 GMT) in Muan city, approximately 289 kilometers (179 miles) southwest of Seoul, according to the country’s National Fire Agency.
The ill-fated Boeing 737-800 jet was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members on an overnight flight from Bangkok, Thailand, when tragedy struck. Emergency officials have confirmed the deaths of 46 women and 39 men, with hopes fading for additional survivors.
Eyewitness reports describe harrowing scenes as the plane landed on its belly, skidded along the runway, and erupted into flames. “A series of explosions followed the crash, resulting in a catastrophic fire,” said Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride, reporting from Seoul.
Images circulating in local media show thick black smoke billowing from the wreckage and the tail section engulfed in flames, with emergency responders battling the inferno.
Preliminary investigations suggest a bird strike may have caused the crash. According to the Yonhap news agency, officials believe the collision with birds likely damaged the plane’s landing gear, leading to the accident. One passenger reportedly texted a family member moments before the crash, saying, “A bird is stuck in the wing… Should I say my last words?”
The South Korean Transport Ministry has not yet confirmed the exact cause, stating that the bird strike is one of several theories under investigation.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok has called for an “all-out rescue operation,” mobilizing all available resources to save survivors. “Every effort must be made to assist those affected by this tragedy,” Choi said in a statement.
Emergency teams are working tirelessly at the crash site, but the National Fire Agency has indicated that the chances of finding more survivors are diminishing.
Jeju Air, one of South Korea’s largest budget carriers, expressed deep regret over the incident. “We sincerely apologize for this tragic accident and will do everything in our power to respond,” the airline said in a statement.
This marks the first fatal accident in Jeju Air’s history. The airline had previously experienced a runway incident in 2007 when a Bombardier Q400 veered off the runway in Busan due to strong winds, causing injuries but no fatalities.
Despite this tragedy, South Korea’s aviation industry has maintained a strong safety record over the years. Experts emphasize the need for a thorough investigation to prevent future accidents.
The incident has sent shockwaves across South Korea and beyond, as families and officials mourn the loss of lives in what is now one of the country’s most tragic aviation disasters.
