At approximately 9:03 a.m. local time, Jeju Air flight 7C2216, en route from Bangkok, experienced a fiery crash landing at Muan International Airport. The airline's CEO, Kim E-bae, confirmed the incident via Instagram.
According to reports from local authorities and news agencies, the aircraft, carrying 175 passengers and 6 crew members, veered off the runway after touchdown, colliding with a concrete barrier.
Muan fire chief Lee Jeong-Hyun sadly confirmed the death of a 3-year-old boy among the victims.
Amidst the devastation, two crew members miraculously survived, rescued from the wreckage's tail section with moderate to severe injuries. Both are currently receiving medical care.
Online footage captures the jet skidding off the runway, seemingly due to a landing malfunction, before hitting the concrete barrier and erupting in flames. The plane was completely destroyed, except for the tail section.
Preliminary investigations suggest a possible bird strike coupled with unfavorable weather conditions as the cause of the accident. However, fire chief Jeong-hyun emphasized that a thorough joint investigation will determine the exact cause.
Jeju Air CEO E-bae expressed profound condolences and apologies to the victims' families, acknowledging his responsibility and pledging full cooperation with the government investigation.
Prior to the incident, there were no indications of any problems with the 15-year-old aircraft, which had a clean accident history.
Eyewitnesses recounted hearing a loud explosion as the plane attempted its second landing, tragically crashing.
Of the 56 victims identified so far, most were South Korean nationals, with two Thai nationals also among the deceased. The grim tally includes 84 women, 82 men, and 11 individuals whose genders remain unknown.
Crucially, both black boxes, containing vital flight data and voice recordings, have been recovered.
Boeing, the aircraft's manufacturer, expressed their condolences and offered support to Jeju Air.
A massive search and rescue operation involving over 700 personnel from the police, military, and Coast Guard is underway. The bodies of the deceased will be released to their families for burial following the identification process.
South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok offered condolences and vowed to prevent future occurrences.
The investigation into the tragic incident continues.
