King Charles and Queen Camilla have expressed their deep sorrow following a tragic plane crash in South Korea that claimed the lives of 179 people.
The crash occurred when a Boeing 737-800, carrying 181 people, skidded off the runway at Muan International Airport, collided with a concrete wall, and burst into flames.
Tragically, all but two passengers perished, including a young child, while the surviving crew members were miraculously rescued from the rear of the aircraft.
Royal Statement of Sympathy
In response to the devastating incident, the royal couple shared their condolences, saying, “My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the horrific air accident at Muan, which resulted in such grievous loss of life.
” They expressed that the victims and their families would remain in their prayers, alongside those mourning the disaster in the Republic of Korea.
Public Tributes from World Leaders
In addition to the royal condolences, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also extended his heartfelt sympathy to the victims’ families.
He praised the efforts of emergency responders and expressed solidarity with the people of both South Korea and Thailand, who are affected by the tragedy.
Investigation Suggests Bird Strike Could Have Triggered the Crash
Initial investigations suggest a bird strike might have been a contributing factor to the crash.
Footage appears to show the moment the plane was struck by a bird while in the air, possibly causing significant damage.
However, aviation experts note that while bird strikes are common, they typically don’t result in a crash of this magnitude.
A Failed Attempt at a Safe Landing
The plane was attempting to land when air traffic control issued a warning about the bird strike, prompting the crew to delay their approach.
Shortly afterward, the pilot declared a Mayday and was cleared to land from the opposite direction.
The aircraft, which was piloted by an experienced crew member with over 9,800 flight hours, attempted a belly-landing but ultimately skidded down the runway without its landing gear, crashing into a concrete wall and erupting in flames.
Concerns Over Emergency Response and Safety Measures
Questions have been raised regarding the adequacy of emergency measures at the airport.
Geoffrey Thomas, an aviation editor, questioned why fire tenders were not immediately in place on the runway and why the plane landed so far down the runway.
He also pointed out the presence of a brick wall at the end of the runway, which could have contributed to the severity of the crash.
Experts Weigh In on Possible Causes and Emergency Response
Aviation consultant Trevor Jensen noted that emergency services are typically prepared for belly-landings, suggesting that this crash was unanticipated.
Sally Gethin, another aviation expert, speculated that the bird strike could have led to engine damage and hydraulic failure, which might have caused the landing gear to fail.
The pilots, she explained, would have had to make critical decisions quickly in a highly stressful situation, ultimately running out of runway and crashing into the wall.
Ongoing Investigation and Tributes
As authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, tributes continue to pour in for the victims, and thoughts remain with the survivors and their families as they navigate the aftermath of this horrific tragedy.