Jeju Air’s Deadly Crash: South Korea’s Worst Aviation Disaster
In an unnerving 24-hour span, the world witnessed three major aviation incidents, all occurring during peak flight hours and just as the world welcomed the new year, 2025. Intriguingly, these crashes happened in three different countries, involving three separate airlines, with each occurrence happening during landing at respective airports.
Jeju Air’s Tragedy in South Korea
The Korean authorities initially reported 179 fatalities following the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport but have since confirmed 167 deaths. Rescue operations continue for potential survivors, with two people already rescued alive.
"Most of the 181 passengers are presumed dead, except for two who were rescued successfully," reported Yonhap News Agency, citing a Jeolla fire department official who interacted with the passengers’ families at the airport. However, the death toll has been officially confirmed at 167, and the runway has been closed until New Year’s Day.
A Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air, carrying 181 passengers and six crew members, caught fire upon landing at around 9:07 AM local time in Muan County. The plane had reportedly experienced landing gear issues and overshot the runway, smashing into a barrier before crashing into a wall and exploding.
Local media footage showed the aircraft sliding down the runway, engulfed in flames and shattered wreckage. Authorities revealed that air traffic control had warned of a bird strike incident just a minute before the plane’s emergency landing.
Two survivors, one passenger and one crew member, were found in the aircraft’s tail section and subsequently hospitalized in Seoul. Witnesses claimed to have seen flames coming from the jet’s engine and heard multiple explosions prior to the crash.
