The tragedy unfolded on Sunday morning when a Jeju Air plane, returning from Bangkok, crashed during its landing at Muan International Airport. Out of 181 aboard, 179 lives were tragically lost, while two crew members were rescued. Harrowing footage captured the Boeing 737-800 skidding off the runway before crashing into a barrier and erupting in flames.
The flight, designated 7C2216, received clearance for landing around 08:54 local time, just moments before air traffic control warned about potential bird activity in the area. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported a suspected bird strike, announcing "mayday" and opting to attempt a go-around. Nevertheless, the aircraft made contact with the ground at about 09:02, landing at an improper angle that led to its subsequent crash.
Eyewitness accounts described a horrifying sequence of events. "I heard a loud bang followed by a series of explosions," one witness told the media, as flames engulfed the wreckage. Emergency personnel quickly responded to extinguish the fire, leading to the rescue of the two survivors.
Investigators are currently exploring the incident's cause, with initial assessments suggesting that a bird strike and bad weather may have played a role. The flight recorders have been retrieved for analysis, though reports suggest they might be damaged. While a witness claimed a bird was lodged in the aircraft's wing, officials have not yet confirmed this detail.
Amidst this tragedy, families are grappling with the enormity of their losses as the death toll escalates to 179, including four crew members. Of the deceased, five were children under 10 years old. The identification of victims is ongoing, with authorities collecting DNA samples from relatives.
In response to the disaster, South Korea's government has declared a national mourning period and ordered comprehensive safety inspections across the aviation sector. All flights in and out of Muan International Airport have been halted, while the local area has been designated a disaster zone to facilitate recovery efforts.
As the dust settles from this devastating event, the nation collectively mourns the victims, reflecting on the need for enhanced aviation safety measures while hoping for better communication around ongoing investigations.
The flight, designated 7C2216, received clearance for landing around 08:54 local time, just moments before air traffic control warned about potential bird activity in the area. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported a suspected bird strike, announcing "mayday" and opting to attempt a go-around. Nevertheless, the aircraft made contact with the ground at about 09:02, landing at an improper angle that led to its subsequent crash.
Eyewitness accounts described a horrifying sequence of events. "I heard a loud bang followed by a series of explosions," one witness told the media, as flames engulfed the wreckage. Emergency personnel quickly responded to extinguish the fire, leading to the rescue of the two survivors.
Investigators are currently exploring the incident's cause, with initial assessments suggesting that a bird strike and bad weather may have played a role. The flight recorders have been retrieved for analysis, though reports suggest they might be damaged. While a witness claimed a bird was lodged in the aircraft's wing, officials have not yet confirmed this detail.
Amidst this tragedy, families are grappling with the enormity of their losses as the death toll escalates to 179, including four crew members. Of the deceased, five were children under 10 years old. The identification of victims is ongoing, with authorities collecting DNA samples from relatives.
In response to the disaster, South Korea's government has declared a national mourning period and ordered comprehensive safety inspections across the aviation sector. All flights in and out of Muan International Airport have been halted, while the local area has been designated a disaster zone to facilitate recovery efforts.
As the dust settles from this devastating event, the nation collectively mourns the victims, reflecting on the need for enhanced aviation safety measures while hoping for better communication around ongoing investigations.
