In a devastating aviation tragedy, a Jeju Air passenger plane burst into flames on December 29, 2024, after skidding off the runway at Muan International Airport in South Korea. The crash, which occurred due to a suspected landing gear malfunction, resulted in the deaths of 179 people, making it one of the deadliest air disasters in South Korea’s history.
Incident Overview
The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, carrying 181 passengers and crew, was on a flight from Bangkok to Muan, approximately 290 kilometers south of Seoul. According to initial reports, the front landing gear failed to deploy during landing, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and collide with a concrete fence. The collision triggered a massive fire that engulfed the plane.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Emergency responders, including 1,570 firefighters, police officers, and soldiers, rushed to the crash site. Despite their efforts, 179 people lost their lives, including two Thai nationals. The National Fire Agency confirmed that 177 bodies have been recovered and identified 88 victims so far.
Two survivors—a passenger and a crew member—were pulled from the wreckage. Both are in critical condition, and medical teams are working tirelessly to save their lives.
Black Boxes Recovered
Authorities have retrieved the black boxes—both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder—from the wreckage. These devices are crucial for understanding the sequence of events leading up to the crash and determining the exact cause of the landing gear failure.
National Mourning Declared
In response to the tragedy, South Korea has declared a seven-day national mourning period. Flags across the country will fly at half-mast as the nation mourns the loss of lives in this horrific incident.
International Reaction
The Thai Foreign Ministry has confirmed that two Thai nationals were among the fatalities. The South Korean government is working closely with Thai authorities to provide assistance to the victims’ families.
Historical Context
This crash is the worst aviation disaster in South Korea since 1997, when a Korean Airlines flight crashed in Guam, claiming 228 lives. It underscores the need for stringent safety measures and thorough investigations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Ongoing Investigation
The Transport Ministry is leading the investigation into the crash, focusing on the landing gear malfunction and other potential contributing factors. Experts from Boeing and international aviation agencies are expected to assist in the probe.
Conclusion
The Jeju Air crash is a grim reminder of the fragility of aviation safety. As families grieve and authorities investigate, the world watches to ensure that lessons are learned from this tragedy to prevent future disasters.
Stay tuned for updates as more information emerges about this heartbreaking incident.
