At least 120 people died following the crash of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft during its landing at Muan International Airport on Sunday, December 29, 2024, according to local fire authorities. The tragedy occurred just after 9:00 AM local time, and the aircraft was carrying 175 passengers and 6 crew members from Bangkok, Thailand.
Emergency services have been working intensively at the crash site, with South Jeolla fire department stating they expect the casualty number could rise as they continue recovery efforts. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the airplane struggle to stabilize during landing before it veered off the runway and crashed against the airport's perimeter wall, leading to flames engulfing parts of the aircraft.
"The situation is dire, and we are extending all resources to rescue operations," stated Choi Sang-mok, the interim president of South Korea. By the evening, only two individuals—a cabin crew member and one passenger—had been rescued from the wreckage, giving little hope for the others trapped inside, especially the severely damaged tail section of the plane.
Video footage showed the aircraft without landing gear as it skidded off the runway before erupting in flames upon impact. Firefighters were seen initially struggling to control the blaze, which lasted for about 40 minutes before they could extinguish it completely. The initial reports mention one survivor—a male flight attendant—who is receiving treatment at the local hospital.
Among the passengers on board were 173 South Koreans and two Thai citizens. This incident marks the first fatal crash for Jeju Air, which has been noted for its solid safety record since its inception in 2005. The cause of the accident is still unconfirmed; initial speculation suggests potential bird strikes might have caused the landing gear to malfunction.
The interim president, Choi Sang-mok, who assumed office only two days before the crash amid significant political turmoil, emphasized the need for all emergency resources to be deployed to assist rescue operations and support affected families. A national emergency meeting was convened to coordinate the response.
The operation continues to recover the aircraft's debris and search for any possible remaining survivors. Local news footage depicted the dramatic scene as columns of smoke rose high above the airport and emergency vehicles streamed to the crash area.
Dealing with the aftermath emotionally is heavy for the South Korean public, as air travel is typically considered safe within the country. The aviation industry has maintained high safety standards, which makes the crash all the more shocking.
Jeju Air issued its condolences to the families affected by the crash, stating, "We bow our heads to apologize to all who suffered from the accident. We will do everything possible to resolve the situation." The company has pledged to support investigators as they seek to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the incident.
While investigations begin, safety protocols at the airport and throughout the airline industry may endure rigorous scrutiny, putting pressure on aviation regulations across South Korea. The accident raises serious questions and concerns about the operational safety of recent aviation practices and prior safety measures implemented within airlines.
This devastating event also highlights the vulnerability of human life during such incidents, calling for enhanced safety measures and emergency responsiveness, perhaps influencing future policy changes within the aviation sector. South Korea, as it mourns this tragic loss of life, braces for potential impacts on aviation regulations and heightened security measures to prevent similar occurrences.
The recovery operations are still underway, and with them, the hope remains for some of the missing—though hopes are dimming with each passing hour. Family and friends await news desperately, as the nation unites to support those affected by this tragedy.
