More than 170 individuals have tragically lost their lives in a devastating plane crash involving a Jeju Air flight, marking a dark moment in South Korean aviation history. The flight, en route from Bangkok, Thailand, faced severe complications while landing, resulting in a fireball and significant casualties. Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek clarity on the incident's causes.
South Korea's Jeju Air Tragedy: What We Know So Far
South Korea's Jeju Air Tragedy: What We Know So Far
A catastrophic plane crash at Muan International Airport claims the lives of 179 people on board.
In the early hours of Sunday, a Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport. The flight, identified as 7C2216, was carrying 181 people, including 175 passengers and six crew members. Reports state that 179 have perished, with two crew members being the only survivors rescued from the wreckage. Video footage captured the heart-wrenching moment the plane went off the runway, colliding with a barrier and igniting into flames.
The circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation, with preliminary speculations pointing towards a possible bird strike occurring shortly before landing. The pilot issued a “mayday” call before attempting to abort the landing due to the suspected bird strike right after receiving a warning from air traffic control about bird activity in the vicinity. However, aviation experts have cautioned that while bird strikes are common, they typically do not cause airplanes to crash.
As the investigation progresses, South Korean authorities have confirmed that they have recovered the flight and voice recorders, though initial reports indicate that the data from the latter may be damaged. The head pilot had extensive experience with over 6,800 hours of flight time, providing some context to the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Families of the victims have gathered at the airport, with officials providing necessary support and investigations ongoing to identify the deceased. The crash is recognized as the deadliest in South Korean history, prompting national mourning and an emergency safety inspection of airline operations in the country.
In light of the tragedy, Jeju Air has expressed condolences to the bereaved families and is cooperating with authorities. As of now, all flights to and from Muan International Airport have been suspended, while recovery efforts continue with over 1,500 emergency personnel deployed to search for aircraft debris and passenger remains.
The South Korean government is reinforcing its support through special disaster declarations, and mourning periods have been established in recognition of the profound loss experienced by families and the broader community. As investigations continue, further details will emerge about this tragic event in South Korea's aviation history.
The circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation, with preliminary speculations pointing towards a possible bird strike occurring shortly before landing. The pilot issued a “mayday” call before attempting to abort the landing due to the suspected bird strike right after receiving a warning from air traffic control about bird activity in the vicinity. However, aviation experts have cautioned that while bird strikes are common, they typically do not cause airplanes to crash.
As the investigation progresses, South Korean authorities have confirmed that they have recovered the flight and voice recorders, though initial reports indicate that the data from the latter may be damaged. The head pilot had extensive experience with over 6,800 hours of flight time, providing some context to the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Families of the victims have gathered at the airport, with officials providing necessary support and investigations ongoing to identify the deceased. The crash is recognized as the deadliest in South Korean history, prompting national mourning and an emergency safety inspection of airline operations in the country.
In light of the tragedy, Jeju Air has expressed condolences to the bereaved families and is cooperating with authorities. As of now, all flights to and from Muan International Airport have been suspended, while recovery efforts continue with over 1,500 emergency personnel deployed to search for aircraft debris and passenger remains.
The South Korean government is reinforcing its support through special disaster declarations, and mourning periods have been established in recognition of the profound loss experienced by families and the broader community. As investigations continue, further details will emerge about this tragic event in South Korea's aviation history.
