In a devastating incident on Sunday, a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 carrying 181 people crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea. The aircraft skidded off the runway and collided with a fence due to a landing gear malfunction, resulting in the tragic loss of 179 lives. Only two survivors, one passenger and one crew member, were rescued from the crash.
Timeline of Events
According to Yonhap News Agency, the crash occurred at 9:07 AM local time as Flight 2216 was attempting to land at Muan International Airport. The aircraft was en route from Bangkok, Thailand, to South Korea.
Landing Gear Malfunction
Preliminary reports suggest that the landing gear failure may have been caused by a bird strike. A video circulating on social media shows the plane skidding on the runway, engulfed in flames shortly after the crash.
Rescue Efforts and Casualties
Rescue teams have recovered 120 bodies from the crash site as of this report. The aircraft carried 175 passengers and six crew members, including 173 South Korean nationals and two Thai passport holders.
Failed Emergency Landing Attempt
Officials reported that the aircraft attempted a second emergency landing after circling the airport to address the landing gear issue. Despite efforts to perform a belly landing, the plane disintegrated upon impact, leaving a thick cloud of smoke rising from the wreckage.
Witness Account
A video captured by a bystander shows the aircraft veering off the runway and colliding with a fence, followed by an explosion. Flames quickly engulfed the wreckage, adding to the intensity of the disaster.
Details of the Incident
| Flight Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Airline | Jeju Air |
| Aircraft | Boeing 737-800 |
| Route | Bangkok, Thailand → Muan, South Korea |
| Time of Incident | 9:07 AM (local time) |
| Passengers and Crew | 181 (175 passengers, 6 crew members) |
| Survivors | 2 (1 passenger, 1 crew member) |
| Fatalities | 179 |
| Cause | Suspected bird strike leading to landing gear failure |
