The quiet morning at Muan International Airport turned tragic when a Jeju Air flight, a Boeing 737-800 returning from Bangkok, crash-landed, claiming the lives of 179 passengers and crew.
Among the 181 people on board, only two—a male and female crew member—survived, making it one of South Korea’s deadliest aviation disasters.
The survivors, currently hospitalized, recounted the horrifying moments leading to the crash.
According to initial reports, the plane’s engine emitted smoke and exploded as it attempted to land around 8:30 AM local time.
The South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has not yet confirmed the cause, though a possible bird strike damaging the landing gear is under investigation.
A Terrifying Descent and Crash
Witnesses near the airport described the harrowing scene.
Kim Yong-cheol, a local resident, shared his account of the doomed flight’s descent.
“I saw a flash of light, then heard a loud bang followed by smoke and a series of explosions,” he said.
The aircraft missed its first landing attempt, circled back, and crashed in its final effort.
Terrifying footage aired by local media captured the explosion mid-flight, highlighting the chaos moments before the crash.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, deploying 32 fire trucks and multiple helicopters to extinguish the flames and search for survivors.
Official Responses and Investigations Begin
Jeju Air’s CEO, Kim E-bae, issued a heartfelt apology, expressing condolences to the victims’ families.
“We deeply regret this tragedy and will fully cooperate with the government investigation to uncover the cause,” he said.
Boeing also extended condolences, stating they were ready to assist the airline during this challenging time.
The Transport Ministry confirmed that government investigators have arrived at the site to examine the wreckage Initial reports suggest the landing gear malfunctioned, though the investigation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, Muan’s fire chief, Lee Jeong-hyeon, reported that the crash impact scattered debris across the site, complicating rescue efforts.
Global Reactions and Historical Context
The incident has drawn international attention.
U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg and Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed their condolences, acknowledging the immense loss.
This disaster marks the first crash in Jeju Air’s history since its founding in 2005.
Despite being a budget airline, it had maintained a strong safety record, receiving high ratings from South Korean aviation authorities.
Tragically, the crash has now become one of the most devastating in the country’s aviation history, comparable to the 1997 Korean Airlines crash in Guam.
A Nation in Mourning Amid Political Turmoil
As the country grapples with the disaster, it faces additional turmoil from a political crisis involving President Yoon Suk Yeol’s recent imposition of martial law and impeachment.
Emergency meetings among top officials are underway to address the crash and provide support to affected families.
The tragedy has left a deep scar on South Korea, a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of air safety.
Investigations continue as the nation seeks answers and accountability for this devastating event.