At least 28 people are confirmed dead following the crash of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 at Muan International Airport (MXW) on Sunday morning, triggering extensive rescue operations and raising alarming questions about airline safety standards.
The tragedy unfolded as flight 2216, which had taken off from Bangkok, Thailand, with 175 passengers and six crew members on board, attempted to land at the airport located in the southwest of South Korea. Initial reports point to significant failures during the landing phase, with authorities considering possible bird strikes as the cause for the aircraft's malfunctioning landing gear.
The crash marked a devastating and chaotic scene shortly after 9:00 AM local time. Eyewitness accounts and images from the scene depicted thick columns of black smoke rising from the aircraft, which veered off the runway and collided with surrounding structures, including fencing and walls.
According to the Korean news agency Yonhap, the firefighting efforts were swift and well-coordinated, with responders arriving shortly after the distress call at 9:03 AM. By 9:46 AM, they managed to bring the initial fire under control, but not before significant damage was inflicted on the fuselage. Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames engulfing the rear section of the aircraft.
Among the rescue efforts, some passengers were evacuated from the tail of the aircraft, which provided access as emergency services scrambled to reach those trapped inside. The local fire department confirmed at least two individuals had been rescued alive, with many others suffering varying degrees of injury.
Lee Hyeon-ji, a response officer at the local fire department, stated, “We have so far confirmed 29 deaths from the crash, but the tally could rise due to the critically injured.” This reflects the severity of the situation as rescue teams work tirelessly to locate and assist any remaining passengers still at the crash site.
The plane reportedly attempted to land but was forced to execute what’s known as a "go-around"—a standard aviation procedure when pilots opt to abort landing due to unsafe conditions. Unfortunately, this maneuver occurred due to the landing gear failing to lower properly, leading to the disastrous final landing attempt.
President Choi Sang-mok of South Korea, who assumed office shortly before the incident, emphasized the need for thorough and coordinated rescue efforts. He directed all related agencies to mobilize their resources to assist victims as he arrived at the Central Disaster Management Headquarters to oversee the crisis response.
Investigators are now closely examining the specific details surrounding the crash. Early speculation indicates the possible involvement of wildlife, as it is believed the aircraft might have collided with birds during its descent, which could have jeopardized its landing gear deployment.
Critics are raising concerns over the safety protocols at Jeju Air, particularly as the airline previously operated multiple flights between South Korea and Thailand using its Boeing 737-800 fleet. After the crash, the airport temporarily halted operations as authorities gathered information to piece together what went wrong.
Photos circulating on social media depict harrowing scenes of the aircraft engulfed in flames, as rescue personnel worked feverishly to access the wreck and save as many lives as possible. The aircraft involved, identified as flight 2216, bore the registration HL8088, highlighting the modern nature of the aircraft at the time of failure.
Rescue operations are expected to continue as the investigation progresses. The tragic event has reignited discussions about the importance of aviation safety and rigorous maintenance practices required to protect passengers and crew alike.
