A devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport, South Korea, has left at least 85 people dead and sparked an outpouring of grief and international condolences.
The incident, involving Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800 en route from Bangkok, occurred on Sunday morning, marking one of the worst air disasters in South Korea’s history.
The plane, carrying 181 passengers and crew, skidded off the runway shortly after landing and slammed into a concrete barrier, igniting a massive fire.
Preliminary investigations suggest a combination of a bird strike and adverse weather conditions caused a malfunction in the aircraft’s landing gear, a scenario currently being examined by aviation authorities.
Eyewitness footage captured the harrowing moments as the plane erupted in flames, sending thick black smoke into the air.
Emergency teams, including 32 fire trucks and several helicopters, worked tirelessly to contain the blaze and rescue survivors. However, only two people—a passenger and a crew member—were pulled from the wreckage alive.
Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, now serving as acting leader amid South Korea’s political turbulence, convened an emergency meeting and ordered a full-scale rescue operation.
His office has pledged to spare no effort in supporting victims’ families and uncovering the cause of the disaster.
Jeju Air has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, issuing an apology and committing to assisting victims’ families.
Meanwhile, international leaders, including Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, have extended condolences.
Two Thai nationals were among the passengers on board, further elevating the global response.
This tragic event has rekindled memories of South Korea’s last major aviation disaster in 1997, when a Korean Airlines flight crashed in Guam, killing 228 people.
As the investigation continues, experts are analyzing the sequence of events, hoping to prevent future occurrences and ensure the safety of air travel.
For now, the nation mourns as rescue and recovery operations persist, shining a light on the resilience of emergency services and the solidarity of the international community.
