At least 62 people died when Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 crashed at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning, December 29, 2024. The disaster struck shortly after 9:00 AM local time, as the aircraft was landing, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members on its route from Bangkok.
The crash was reportedly caused by landing gear failure, and footage from the scene showed the plane skidding on its belly at high speed, veering off the runway and colliding with obstacles before bursting dramatically with flames. Firefighters, arriving within minutes, battled to extinguish the inferno, but unfortunately confirmed the tragic loss of life.
According to the national fire agency, emergency services responded swiftly, mobilizing 32 fire engines to the scene. "So far two rescued, 62 dead," the agency announced following the horrific incident, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Among the victims, 25 were males and 37 were females, as reported by the South Jeolla Fire Service.
The airplane, identified as a Boeing 737-800, encountered catastrophic difficulties when both the front and back landing gear did not deploy during landing, making its tail end slam to the ground. Eyewitness reports cited by local media indicated smoke and fire engulfing parts of the aircraft as it collided with airport structures.
Throughout the rescue efforts, emergency responders managed to pull two individuals from the wreckage—one passenger and one crew member—indicating some survival amid the chaos.
This tragic incident marks the first fatal accident for Jeju Air since its establishment, reflecting the company's commitment to passenger safety since its founding as South Korea's low-cost carrier.
Shortly after the incident, acting President Choi Sang-mok, having been newly appointed just two days earlier amid the chaotic political atmosphere, called for immediate and comprehensive mobilization of all available resources. He expressed his sentiments about the urgent need to handle the rescue and recovery, stating the importance of cooperation among emergency services.
Choi's call to action unfolded against the backdrop of South Korea's political turmoil, resulting from the suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol after parliamentary action imposed limits on his leadership. Choi's immediate focus on the disaster reflects both leadership urgency and the growing expectations on him during this sensitive time.
Eyewitnesses of the crash noted the terrifying moments leading up to the impact. Accounts include long skidding across the runway, with flames initially visible from the aircraft even before it struck the wall surrounding the airport. "The airplane had been almost completely destroyed by fire," reported officials on site, underscoring the severity of the inferno and the challenge firefighters faced controlling the blaze.
Local authorities have since grounded all flights to Muan International Airport, emphasizing safety concerns and the need for recovery operations. Investigations are already underway to ascertain the full details surrounding the crash and to understand the precise technical failures involved.
Current investigations will likely look at maintenance records and whether any warnings or issues were raised prior to the flight. Meanwhile, as the national and local agencies work tirelessly on recovery, they also aim to support and provide comfort to the grieving families of those lost.
This tragic crash not only poses questions about air safety but also complicates the political sphere as South Korea ventures through its leadership transition. Many await answers to avoid repeating history.
