Jeju Air flight 7C2216 crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport, killing at least 62 individuals and prompting a major rescue operation by local authorities. The plane experienced a landing gear malfunction attributed to a suspected bird strike.
Tragic Plane Crash in South Korea Claims Numerous Lives
Tragic Plane Crash in South Korea Claims Numerous Lives
A catastrophic landing incident involving Jeju Air flight has resulted in significant loss of life and injuries at Muan International Airport.
A devastating airplane crash occurred on Sunday at Muan International Airport in southwestern South Korea, leading to a tragic loss of life. The incident involved Jeju Air flight 7C2216, which was carrying 181 passengers and crew members from Bangkok when it attempted to land around 9 a.m. The flight veered off the runway and collided with a wall, resulting in a fire that engulfed the aircraft.
As rescue operations continue, officials report that at least 62 people have been confirmed dead, with search teams working to locate the remaining passengers. Two crew members have been rescued so far. Images released by the South Korean news agency Yonhap depict the tail section of the plane in flames, illustrating the severity of the crash.
This tragic incident marks a dark moment for Jeju Air, a low-cost carrier established in 2005, as it is reportedly the airline's first fatal crash. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, was supposed to land at 8:30 a.m. but had to abort its initial approach due to a reported malfunction in its landing gear, suspected to be caused by a bird strike.
Choi Sang-mok, the deputy prime minister and acting president, has urged authorities to mobilize rescue resources swiftly to assist those trapped. Local hospitals have begun receiving the deceased and injured, as the shockwave of the crash ripples through the nation already facing a political crisis.
The South Korean authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, including the mechanical failures that led to this tragedy. Families of those aboard the flight are anxiously awaiting news, while international voices, including Thailand's Foreign Ministry, are involved in confirming the fate of two Thai nationals reported to be on board.
As investigations unfold, the incident raises critical questions about airline safety protocols, and citizens across the country hold their breath as hopes dwindle for the survival of those still missing.
