A tragic plane crash occurred at Muan International Airport in South Korea on December 29, 2024, claiming at least 120 lives, with authorities bracing for the toll to rise. Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, which had flown from Bangkok, Thailand, was attempting to land when it veered off the runway and crashed against the airport’s outer wall, bursting instantly onto flames.
The incident, which took place around 9:07 AM local time (00:07 GMT), resulted in the immediate mobilization of emergency rescue teams. Reports from the National Fire Agency confirmed, “Rescue operations continue, and the preliminary death toll stands at 120 confirmed dead.” Initially, the numbers indicated 85 fatalities, but as rescue operations progressed, the figures climbed sharply.
Flight 7C2216 was carrying 175 passengers and 6 crew members; the majority were South Korean nationals, alongside 2 Thai passengers. Eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying scene of the aircraft coming down hard, noting the cockpit remained engulfed by flames shortly after the crash. “The presumed cause of the accident was a bird strike combined with adverse weather conditions,” said Lee Jeong-hyun, head of the local fire department, during a briefing.
Images captured from the site revealed the aircraft severely damaged, with its tail section torn away and engulfed by fire. Rescue teams, including soldiers, firefighters, and ambulances, were deployed swiftly, accounting for over 180 personnel at the scene.
Despite the chaos, two individuals—a crew member and one passenger—were rescued and taken to the hospital with minor injuries. A spokesperson for Jeju Air expressed their deepest sympathies: “Jeju Air will do everything we can to respond to this accident. We sincerely apologize for causing concern,” their social media statement read, reflecting the airline's commitment to accountability and support for victims' families.
Meanwhile, the Mexican Embassy in South Korea reported no Mexican nationals had been affected by the crash, offering condolences to the victims’ families and putting forward emergency contact information for any needs.
This incident marks one of the deadliest air disasters to hit South Korea and has raised numerous questions concerning aviation safety regulations and practices. With all national and international flights to and from Muan Airport being suspended, local authorities are now investigating the nature of the crash and gathering data to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
Jeju Air, founded in 2005, operates numerous domestic and international flights. The Boeing 737-800 involved is among the more commonly used aircraft globally; hence, this crisis could have wide-ranging repercussions across the airline sector, particularly as investigations continue and stories emerge about those aboard.
The full details surrounding the plane’s failure, including whether maintenance lapses or external factors played significant roles, remain to be determined as the investigation proceeds. Community support and recovery efforts are underway as South Korea grapples with this devastating loss.