A tragic air disaster unfolded on December 29, 2024, when Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crashed at Muan International Airport, resulting in the deaths of 179 of the 181 people on board. The Boeing 737-800, which had just returned from Bangkok, failed to deploy its landing gear as it touched down on the runway at approximately 9:03 AM local time. Rescuers reported finding two survivors, both crew members, after extensive recovery efforts.
The disaster is now considered one of the deadliest aviation accidents in South Korea's history, ranking alongside the infamous 1997 Korean Airlines disaster. Efforts to locate victims were met with both determination and heartbreak, as emergency responders managed to save two individuals: one receiving treatment for multiple fractures at Ewha Hospital and the other at the Hospital of Seoul.
Details surrounding the incident are still under investigation, with early reports pointing toward a potential bird strike as the plane's landing gear failed to deploy during its approach. Images taken by onlookers showed the aircraft skidding down the runway before veering off course and crashing violently against the airport's concrete wall, engulfing it in flames.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the flight, which had carried 175 passengers and six crew members, issued a distress signal shortly before the crash. The Chief of the Muan Fire Station, Lee Jeong-hyeon, stated, "The plane is completely burnt; only the tail remains recognizable" during televised updates at the scene.
Rescue operations saw 1,570 personnel deployed, comprising firefighters, police, and military units amid the chaotic scene where bodies were reported to be recovered from around the wreckage. Visuals broadcasted highlighted thick plumes of black smoke rising from the destroyed aircraft, painted against the morning sky, as helicopters hovered overhead.
Kim E-bae, president of Jeju Air, addressed the media wearing a solemn expression, stating, "We express our deep apology for the incidents," and outlined the company’s commitment to assisting the victims’ families during this challenging period.
International reactions poured in, showcasing global solidarity with the tragedy's victims. During the Angelus prayer at the Vatican, Pope Francis stated, "We join our prayers for the survivors and the deceased," underscoring the worldwide outpouring of grief and support. Adding to the somber acknowledgment, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conveyed his condolences, saying, "Every lost life is immeasurable tragedy," reflecting the universal mourning felt across nations.
This disaster not only serves as somber data on the aviation safety record of South Korea but also impacts its current political standing, as the country navigates tension due to recent events leading to the temporary dismissal of key political figures, including the interim President, Choi Sang-mok. Following the crash, Choi visited the site and expressed his condolences, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring effective rescue operations.
All air traffic to and from Muan International Airport has been suspended until January 1, as investigations ramp up to determine the crash's cause. The black box of the aircraft has been recovered and will be analyzed to provide insights about the moments leading up to the incident. Flight safety experts are examining various factors, including mechanical failures and external environmental hazards.
Despite this devastating incident, it remains one of the worst periods for Jeju Air, which had previously experienced no fatal accidents since its inception. With the recent tragedy weighing heavily on the company's record, scrutiny will undoubtedly follow as the investigation continues.
Among the victors from the flight's tragedy are the two survivors, whose recovery stories will hopefully serve to shine some light amid the darkness of calamity. The echoes of sorrow felt by families of the deceased reflect the collective heartache shared across communities, marking this day as one of immense loss.
Further updates about the incident are expected as authorities continue their investigation, aiming to provide clearer answers about the catastrophic failures leading to one of the most significant aviation tragedies South Korea has faced.