tragic Plane Crash in South Korea Claims 85 Lives; 2 Survivors
In a devastating turn of events, an aircraft carrying 181 passengers crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea’s southwest, resulting in the deaths of 85 people, as reported by the country’s fire service. The incident occurred around 09:00 local time when the Jeju Air flight, en route from Bangkok, Thailand, crashed into a wall after overshooting the runway.
A local TV channel, MBC, shared a video clip that captured the horrifying moment. The footage shows the Jeju Air plane touching down on the runway, with smoke billowing from its engines before the entire aircraft was engulfed in flames. Rescue efforts were swiftly underway, but sadly, only two survivors were found.
The flight, identified as Jeju Air Flight 2216, was carrying 173 South Korean nationals and two Thai citizens. Among the confirmed fatalities were 37 women and 25 men. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash but suspect a bird strike in combination with adverse weather conditions might have been a contributing factor.
"We are assuming the cause was a bird strike in combination with poor weather conditions," said Lee Chong-hun, chief of the Muan Fire Station, during a press conference. "However, the exact cause will be determined following a joint investigation."
Jeju Air, a prominent low-cost airline in South Korea, extended their deepest sympathies to the victims and their families. "Jeju Air expresses its deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. We will do our utmost to assist in the investigation and take all necessary measures," the airline stated via its social media channels.
This is the first fatal incident in the history of Jeju Air, which was founded in 2005. In 2007, one of its Bombardier Q400 planes carrying 74 passengers skidded off the runway at Gimhae International Airport due to strong winds, resulting in minor injuries.
While South Korea’s aviation industry boasts an excellent safety record, experts note that this incident underscores the importance of continuous safety improvements. Last year, a passenger opened an emergency exit during an Asiana Airlines flight’s descent, but the plane landed safely with only minor injuries reported.
As the investigation into this tragic event continues, our thoughts remain with the victims and their families during this difficult time. For more important news as it happens, follow us on Google News Showcase.
