South Korea experienced its deadliest air disaster on Sunday when a plane crash at Muan International Airport killed 179 people. The Jeju Air flight, arriving from Bangkok, skidded off the runway and erupted into flames upon striking a wall.
The crash, involving a Boeing 737-800, marks the worst aviation accident on South Korean soil in nearly three decades, as stated by the transport ministry.
The incident occurred just after 9 a.m., with the plane carrying 175 passengers and six crew members. Only two crew members survived, now receiving treatment for serious injuries.
BREAKING: New video shows moment Boeing 737-800 plane carrying 181 people onboard crashes at Muan International Airport in South Korea.
pic.twitter.com/konxWBpnWy
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) December 29, 2024Authorities suspect a bird strike may have compromised the landing gear, as local media footage shows the plane skidding without visible landing gear before crashing.
The disaster has sparked a comprehensive investigation, examining potential factors like bird strikes and adverse weather conditions.
A catastrophic incident unfolded at Muan International Airport in #SouthKorea as a #JejuAir Boeing 737-800, carrying 181 people, crashed during an attempted landing.
What caused the crash? Watch 🔗https://t.co/lUObRiS1lW pic.twitter.com/GINx26DK8d
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) December 29, 2024This tragic event presents a significant challenge for South Korea’s new interim president, who pledged full government support in response to the accident.
Read: Over 60 Dead in Jeju Air Boeing 737 Crash at Muan International Airport
The crash has also drawn international attention, with the aircraft’s manufacturer and associated companies expressing condolences and readiness to assist in the ongoing investigation.
The CEO of Jeju Air bowed in apology on Sunday after one of his airline's planes crashed and burst into flames at an airport in South Korea, killing at least 120 people.https://t.co/GT0oysAiV8 pic.twitter.com/9ObDweDjGp
— Sky News (@SkyNews) December 29, 2024Domestic and international flights at Muan International Airport were cancelled following the crash, affecting numerous passengers and further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
