A devastating incident unfolded on the morning of Sunday, when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, carrying 181 individuals, crashed at Muan International Airport, located in South Korea's Jeolla province. Tragically, reliable reports confirm the death of 179 passengers and crew, marking this as the deadliest aviation disaster the country has faced since 1997.
Initial indications suggest the aircraft lost control shortly after failing to deploy its landing gear, crashing through the airport’s perimeter wall, and resulting in a significant fire. Eyewitness accounts reveal horrifying scenes of explosions and flames engulfing the aircraft as it skidded off the runway.
Reports indicate the plane was approaching its landing from Bangkok when it encountered troubles with its landing mechanisms. Following directives received just shortly before the distress call, air traffic control warned of bird activity around the airport—an issue many experts deem concerning yet relatively commonplace.
"It is baffling as to how this crash could have happened," remarked Geoffrey Thomas, an aviation expert, expressing disbelief at the combination of circumstances leading to fatalities.
Identified among the passengers were 176 South Koreans and two Thai nationals. Among the deceased were individuals from various backgrounds, including the youngest being only three years old and the oldest at 78. This heartbreaking statistic resonates strongly, particularly for families gathering for holidays post-New Year celebrations.
The aircraft reportedly attempted to execute emergency maneuvers, but was unable to regain control following the failed landing attempt. "No evidence suggests birds alone could cause such damage to landing gears," added Jan Ohlsson, another aviation specialist, reinforcing the gravity of the situation.
South Korea's acting President, Choi Sang-mok, announced immediate mobilization of national resources to address the crisis. Jeju Air’s spokesperson publicly extended their condolences and expressed their commitment to manage the consequences of this unfortunate event thoroughly.
Rescue operations commenced immediately, with over 700 officials involved. They battled the flames and worked diligently to evacuate survivors clinging to life, resulting in two crew members rescued from the wreckage with non-life-threatening injuries.
The scene of the disaster was described as catastrophic, with onlookers noting the torrent of fire and rescue efforts. Eyewitness Yoo Jae-yong relayed emotions felt at the scene, recalling not only the loud explosions preceding the crash but also the dramatic flashes of sparks emitted from the plane prior to its disastrous landing.
The investigation, now underway, aims to decipher the exact chain of events leading to the crash. The Korean Air Safety Investigation Board has begun its work alongside U.S. officials from the National Transportation Safety Board due to the aircraft's American manufacture.
Authorities secured both "black boxes" from the aircraft to help determine the causes of this catastrophe, but delays are expected due to damage sustained during the incident. Communities surrounding Muan International Airport have now begun mourning, expecting to confront the long-standing repercussions of such loss.
Transport Minister Yoo Kyung-soo stated, "Just one minute before the distress signal was issued, the control tower had issues with bird activity near the runway, which raises urgent questions about safety protocols."
All flights to and from Muan International Airport have since been suspended as inquiries proceed, ensuring passenger safety remains the utmost priority.
Families impacted by the loss of loved ones express their grief and disbelief, with local and national government bodies promising support to those affected. This incident will likely lead to deep introspection across the aviation industry, highlighting the need for rigorous reviews of safety measures to keep tragedies like this from happening again.