A devastating plane crash involving Jeju Air Flight 2216 has left South Korea and Thailand reeling. The incident, which occurred on Sunday morning, involved a plane carrying 181 people on a flight from Bangkok to Muan International Airport.
Tragically, only two survivors—a pair of flight attendants—have been rescued, while 120 fatalities have been confirmed so far. The process of identifying victims is ongoing, leaving families heartbroken and seeking answers.
The crash unfolded rapidly at around 9:03 a.m. local time. According to South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, the control tower had issued a bird strike warning three minutes before the crash.
Despite the pilot issuing a Mayday call, the aircraft attempted to land but failed. The plane skidded off the runway, collided with a barrier, and burst into flames. Shocking video footage captured the horrifying moments, showing the plane landing on its belly, trailing smoke, and erupting into a fiery explosion after hitting a wall.
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A fire official later revealed grim details: “Passengers were ejected from the aircraft after it collided with the wall, leaving little chance of survival. The plane is almost completely destroyed.” Identifying victims has proven challenging due to the extensive damage, and authorities are working diligently to recover and process the remains.
Initial reports from investigators suggest a combination of a bird strike and adverse weather conditions may have led to the crash. Lee Jeong-hyun, chief of Muan Fire Station, stated, “The exact cause will be determined following a joint investigation, but current evidence points to a bird strike compounded by poor weather.”
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Authorities have ruled out the possibility that the runway’s length contributed to the accident. Muan International Airport’s 2,800-meter runway is regularly used by similar-sized aircraft without issues.
South Korea’s acting President, Choi Sang-mok, who had only assumed office two days before the crash, convened an emergency meeting with cabinet members.
Speaking at a press briefing, Choi expressed his profound condolences: “No words of consolation can suffice for the bereaved families. The entire government is working tirelessly to manage the aftermath, dedicating every resource to rescue efforts and providing support to those affected.”
Jeju Air, a major low-cost carrier in South Korea, also issued a statement apologizing for the tragedy. “We sincerely apologize for causing this concern and will do everything in our power to assist the victims’ families,” the airline said via social media.
Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft, has pledged its support, stating, “We are in touch with Jeju Air and stand ready to assist in any way possible.”
This incident marks the first fatal crash in Jeju Air’s 19-year history, a somber milestone for one of South Korea’s largest low-cost airlines. The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the country and beyond, with families of victims demanding answers and justice.
As South Korea grapples with the aftermath, the focus remains on uncovering the exact cause of the crash and ensuring the safety of future air travel. For now, the nation mourns the lives lost and extends its deepest sympathies to those affected by this catastrophic event.
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