A catastrophic air disaster occurred on Sunday at Muan International Airport, where a Jeju Air flight belly-landed and veered off the runway, resulting in a fireball explosion that has claimed at least 127 lives. The national fire agency confirmed the grim toll following the incident involving flight 7C2216, arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, with 181 people on board.
The accident marks the worst air tragedy involving a South Korean airline in nearly three decades, with the potential to become the deadliest in the country’s history, according to the transport ministry. Eyewitness footage captured the Boeing 737-800 skidding down the runway without landing gear before crashing into a wall, erupting in flames and debris.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Muan Fire Chief Lee Jung-hyun reported that two crew members were rescued from the tail section of the burning aircraft and are currently receiving treatment for medium to severe injuries. The fire was extinguished by 1 PM local time. Still, authorities have since shifted from rescue to recovery operations, searching the surrounding area for bodies that may have been ejected from the plane due to the force of the impact.
“Only the tail part retains a little bit of shape, and the rest of the plane looks almost impossible to recognize,” Lee stated during a briefing.
Family Tragedy and Community Response
In the aftermath of the crash, family members gathered at the airport, some in tears as Red Cross volunteers provided blankets. The emotional scene intensified as medics announced the names of 22 victims identified by their fingerprints. One relative expressed desperation for information, stating, “My older brother died and I don’t know what’s going on.”
Mortuary vehicles lined up outside the airport, and a temporary morgue was established to handle the deceased. Witnesses reported a strong smell of aviation fuel and blood at the crash site, where workers in protective gear combed the area for evidence.
Investigation Underway
Investigators are examining potential causes of the crash, including bird strikes and adverse weather conditions. Reports indicate that a bird strike may have led to a malfunction in the landing gear. The control tower issued a bird strike warning shortly before the pilots declared a mayday, leading to the ill-fated landing attempt.
A passenger reportedly texted a relative about a bird being stuck in the wing, with their final message reading, “Should I say my last words?”
Jeju Air’s Response
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae publicly apologized for the tragedy during a televised briefing, stating that the cause of the crash remains unknown. He emphasized that the airline would cooperate fully with investigators and prioritize support for the bereaved families. The Boeing 737-800 involved in the crash was manufactured in 2009 and had no prior accident history.
The crash occurred just three weeks after Jeju Air began regular flights from Muan to Bangkok and other Asian destinations. Muan International Airport, one of South Korea’s smallest, has seen a significant increase in international passenger traffic this year.
Government and International Reactions
South Korean acting President Choi Sang-mok, appointed interim leader amid a political crisis, visited the crash site and assured that the government would deploy all necessary resources to address the situation. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also extended condolences to the victims’ families and instructed the foreign ministry to assist.
As investigations continue, all domestic and international flights at Muan airport have been canceled, and Boeing has expressed its condolences to the families affected by this tragic event.
