Jeju Airlines Catastrophe: At Least 62 Dead in South Korea Crash
A tragic incident occurred at Muan International Airport in South Korea when a Jeju Airlines flight carrying 175 passengers and a crew of 6 crashed on Dec. 29.
Initial reports indicate that at least 62 individuals were killed due to a malfunction of the aircraft’s landing gear, which is suspected to have been caused by a bird strike. As the Boeing 737-800 veered off the runway, it collided with a concrete wall and erupted into flames, ZeroHedge reported.
Emergency responders quickly initiated rescue operations following the crash. Although reports initially confirmed the recovery of 33 bodies, the total number of casualties remains unverified as search efforts continue, the outlet reported. Two survivors were located amidst the wreckage, prompting ongoing efforts to find additional individuals who may be trapped, particularly in the tail section of the aircraft.
“Jeju Air deeply bows in apology to all those affected by the Muan Airport accident. Our first priority is to do everything possible to manage this incident. We sincerely apologize for causing concern,” the airline wrote in a statement, per The New York Post.
The passenger list primarily consisted of South Korean nationals, with two individuals from Thailand, as confirmed by the transportation ministry in South Korea. Acting President Choi Sang-mok responded to the crisis by ordering comprehensive rescue operations and convening an emergency meeting in light of the tragedy.
The Korean transport ministry has opened an investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Officials are particularly focused on the technical aspects leading up to the incident, as the aviation sector grapples with maintaining safety in the wake of multiple aviation-related tragedies.
South Korea’s acting president Choi Sang-mok has since ordered rescue mobilization efforts and has scheduled an emergency meeting on Sunday morning, The Post reported.
“I want to sent my condolences to the families of those who died and injured. I have instructed the foreign ministry to check whether there are Thai nationals on board, what the situation is now and to give assistance immediately,” Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra wrote in a statement posted to X.
This incident occurs shortly after another fatal crash involving an Azerbaijan Airlines flight, indicating a concerning trend in air travel safety during a period that has already seen significant disruptions in the sector. Authorities are under pressure to reinforce air travel safety protocols to prevent future accidents.
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
Leave a Comment