A devastating plane crash occurred at Muan International Airport early Sunday morning, leaving only two survivors out of 181 individuals on board. Jeju Air Flight 2216, arriving from Bangkok, tragically skidded off the runway and crashed violently, igniting flames and sending thick smoke billowing.
Initial reports indicated all but two aboard the aircraft were confirmed dead, with the remaining survivors being members of the cabin crew. The crash took place just after 9:00 AM local time, as the flight attempted to land. Eyewitness accounts described horrific scenes of destruction as the plane collided with a concrete wall and burst onto flames.
According to the Korean news agency Yonhap, among the passengers were 175 South Koreans and two Thais. Notably, the flight was carrying 93 women and 82 men, ranging from ages 3 to 78. Just moments before the incident, the airport control tower had warned of nearby birds, which may have contributed to the catastrophic failure.
Witnesses reported the plane’s wheels failed to deploy during the landing, resulting in the plane careening off the runway at high speed. The two survivors were both located at the rear of the aircraft, close to the emergency exits. Their quick positioning likely played a role in their miraculous survival amid the chaos.
“We thought it was just another landing, but then the next thing we knew, it was like we were thrown through the air,” recounted one witness who heard the crash's explosion from nearby.
The recovery effort remains underway, focusing on identifying victims and determining the cause of this tragic incident. South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok arrived at the scene, rallying resources for emergency services and vowing full government support for the grieving families.
On social media, Jeju Air expressed deep condolences, stating, “We will do everything possible to support the victims’ families.” The airline acknowledged the crisis and pledged cooperation throughout the investigation.
The civil aviation authority has dispatched nearly 170 forensic investigators to the airport to assist with the identification of the deceased and examine the wreckage. The investigation team is also analyzing the recovered black boxes, which contain flight data and cockpit conversations.
Emerging accounts paint a harrowing picture of the moments leading up to the crash. One passenger reportedly sent a heart-wrenching text message to a family member, indicating chaos had erupted on board. “We can't land because birds are stuck on the wing. Should I say my last words?” the passenger texted, capturing the fear and desperation felt during the flight.
Survivor accounts vary, but medical personnel confirmed at least one individual sustained significant injuries but managed to remain conscious after being rescued. Confusion laced their initial responses, with one survivor asking, “Why am I here?” at the hospital.
The prompt response from the community echoed sentiments of shock and grief, reflecting the widespread impact of the disaster. Emergency personnel remained on site, battling flames for several hours as they worked to rescue anyone trapped within the wreckage.
Authorities continue to investigate the potential for bird strikes affecting the plane’s machinery. This suspicion surfaced when flight crews reported prior to the crash the presence of avian species along the flight path. Eyewitnesses noted the frantic effort required during the plane's landing attempt.
One local restaurant owner described hearing multiple explosions, which heightened fears of additional casualties. “At first, I thought it was just the sound from another oil tanker accident,” he recounted. “Then, it continued, and there was smoke. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
The crash has prompted flight disruptions at Muan International Airport, halting operations as investigations proceed. A temporary morgue was set up on the premises to assist with recovery efforts, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
Boeing has also reached out to Jeju Air, expressing their condolences and willingness to assist during this challenging time. The manufacturer, which has faced scrutiny following historical incidents, reiterated the commitment to ensuring safety standards and thorough investigation.
While the investigation is still preliminary, the grief felt by families, survivors, and the community is palpable. The acting president’s commitment to support victim families aims to lend solace amid unimaginable loss.
Current efforts focus on providing mental health resources for victims' families, aiding their healing processes. The encroaching emotional toll has prompted support from both public and private sectors, illustrating the solidarity following such tragedies.
This incident serves as yet another stark reminder of the inherent risks of air travel and necessitates continued dialogues surrounding aviation safety practices.
Only time will reveal the full circumstances of this disaster and what mechanisms can be implemented to safeguard future flights. For now, the world watches as South Korea grapples with the aftermath of one of its most catastrophic aerial incidents.