SEOUL, South Korea (WE) – In one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korea’s history, 179 people perished when Jeju Air flight 7C2216 burst into flames during landing at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning. Only two of the 181 individuals onboard survived the catastrophic crash. The nation remains in mourning as rescue operations continue and investigations intensify.
A Heartbreaking Chain of Incidents
The ill-fated Boeing 737-800 departed Bangkok, Thailand, at 1:30 a.m. local time and was scheduled to land in Muan at 8:30 a.m. During its first landing attempt, the aircraft aborted due to difficulties and executed a go-around maneuver. On its second attempt, the landing gear malfunctioned, resulting in a belly landing near the runway’s end.
The jet skidded uncontrollably, crashing through the perimeter fence before bursting into flames. Video footage from witnesses captured the horrifying moments as thick plumes of black smoke billowed from the wreckage. The plane’s fuselage was completely destroyed, leaving only its tail section intact.
Two Miraculous Survivors
Among the wreckage, two Jeju Air crew members—a male and a female—were rescued from the tail section. The male survivor, identified as a 33-year-old flight crew member, is currently being treated at Ewha Hospital in Seoul. Hospital director Ju Woong confirmed that the man, conscious but suffering from severe back fractures, is under intensive care and monitoring. “When I woke up, I realized I had been rescued,” the survivor reportedly told doctors.
The second survivor, a female crew member, is receiving treatment at Seoul Asan Hospital. Both survivors are expected to undergo long-term medical and psychological care for their injuries and trauma.
Challenges in Identifying Victims
The condition of the wreckage has made identifying victims a harrowing task. Rescue teams have retrieved remains from the crash site, but many are severely damaged, complicating the identification process. Temporary mortuaries have been set up to house the recovered bodies, while authorities work tirelessly to notify grieving families.
Among the victims were 173 South Korean nationals and two Thai citizens. Thai authorities have confirmed the identities of the Thai victims, including Jongluk Duangmanee, who had been working in South Korea and was returning to her job after visiting family in Thailand. Her father, Boonchuay Duangmanee, expressed his devastation:
“I never thought that this would be the last time we would see each other forever.”
Government and Emergency Response
Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who assumed office amidst a political crisis just two days prior, has mobilized all available resources to respond to the disaster. Speaking from the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters in Seoul, Choi instructed emergency responders to prioritize rescue operations while ensuring the safety of personnel.
“We must focus every effort on recovering victims and identifying the cause of this tragedy,” Choi said. “Special attention must be given to prevent any safety incidents during the ongoing operations.”
Choi traveled to the crash site to oversee recovery efforts and declared a weeklong national mourning period. Flags across the country were lowered to half-staff, and memorial services were held in Muan and Seoul to honor the victims.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have retrieved the aircraft’s black box, including the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. Preliminary analyses suggest a possible bird strike may have caused the landing gear malfunction. The airport’s control tower had issued a bird strike warning shortly before the landing attempt and advised the pilot to redirect to another area. However, the pilot chose to proceed with the landing.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has formed an Incident Investigation Committee to determine the exact cause of the crash. Aviation experts, engineers, and international specialists are collaborating to analyze the data and inspect the wreckage.
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Global Reactions
The crash has elicited condolences and support from world leaders. Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra extended his sympathies to the families of the Thai victims and ordered immediate assistance through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pope Francis offered prayers from St. Peter’s Square, while Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also conveyed his condolences, highlighting the global impact of the tragedy.
Boeing, the manufacturer of the 737-800, released a statement offering technical assistance and expressing profound sorrow over the accident. “We stand ready to support the airline and authorities in their investigation,” the company stated.
Political Turmoil Compounds the Crisis
The crash comes at a time of significant political instability in South Korea. President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached earlier this month following a controversial martial law declaration, plunging the nation into a leadership crisis. Acting President Han Duck-soo, who briefly replaced Yoon, was also impeached last week, leaving Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok as the interim leader.
Despite the political chaos, Choi has pledged to prioritize the nation’s recovery from this disaster. “This is a moment for unity,” Choi said during his visit to Muan. “We must set aside differences to support the families of the victims and prevent such tragedies in the future.”
The Human Toll
Family members of the victims gathered at Muan International Airport, where grief and despair filled the air. Many wept openly as officials announced the names of the deceased. Jeju Air President Kim E-bae bowed in apology, promising to cooperate fully with the investigation. “We take full responsibility for this tragedy,” Kim said, vowing to improve safety measures.
Among the mourners was a group of factory workers who had traveled to Thailand for a brief holiday. None of them survived. “They were our friends and colleagues,” one factory manager said tearfully. “We can’t believe they’re gone.”
Impact on Aviation and Safety Protocols
The crash has raised urgent questions about aviation safety in South Korea. Jeju Air, known for its robust safety record, has suspended operations of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft pending the investigation. The government has called for an industry-wide review of safety protocols, including enhanced pilot training and stricter maintenance standards.
This disaster is the deadliest air accident in South Korea since the 1997 Korean Air Flight 801 crash in Guam, which claimed 228 lives. Aviation experts warn that the incident underscores the risks of over-reliance on older aircraft models and the need for rigorous enforcement of safety measures.
Hope Amidst Tragedy
As South Korea grapples with the aftermath of this devastating crash, stories of resilience and humanity have emerged. Emergency responders, including 80 firefighters, risked their lives to control the fire and recover victims. Volunteers have set up counseling centers and shelters for grieving families, offering comfort during this dark time.
“We are overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from across the country and the world,” one rescue worker said. “It reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable loss, we can find strength in unity.”
The investigation is expected to take months, but officials have promised transparency and accountability. In the meantime, the nation mourns the 179 lives lost, holding onto the hope that lessons learned from this tragedy will prevent future disasters.