Deadly plane crash in South Korea claims 179 lives
SEOUL, South Korea — A devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport on Sunday has left 179 dead and two survivors in what is now the deadliest airline disaster of the year. Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800 carrying 181 passengers and crew, skidded off the runway during landing and burst into flames.
The aircraft, en route from Bangkok, suffered a bird strike as it attempted to land on Runway 19 after a control tower directive.
The plane’s landing gear failed to deploy, causing it to strike a localizer system and crash into a barrier. Only two crew members survived with injuries, while 146 victims have been identified so far.
Grieving families gathered at the airport as officials announced the deceased. The Red Cross provided support, and Jeju Air pledged assistance to affected families.
Among the dead were several children, including a preschooler born in 2021, according to the Ministry of Education. Eyewitness accounts described the aircraft’s erratic approach and fiery explosion upon impact.
Investigators have recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, which are crucial to determining the cause. South Korean and U.S. agencies, including Boeing and the FAA, are collaborating on the investigation.
South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, declared the crash site a “special disaster zone” and mobilized over 1,500 personnel for recovery efforts.
The government has promised a thorough inquiry, as families call for additional measures to preserve the bodies of victims amid rising temperatures.
