At Muan International Airport in South Korea, a Jeju Air flight (7C2216) carrying 175 passengers and six crew members veered off the runway and collided with a wall, resulting in one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the country’s recent history. The flight, returning from Thailand to South Korea, encountered this tragic mishap while landing.
Key Developments
11:30 AM: Death Toll Reaches 120
According to fire officials cited by the Associated Press, the death toll from the crash has climbed to 120. Rescue operations are ongoing to locate potential survivors amidst the wreckage.
11:10 AM: 96 Dead Confirmed Earlier
The fire department initially confirmed 96 fatalities, including passengers and crew. Among the survivors pulled from the crash site were two flight attendants, both in critical condition.
10:47 AM: Statement from Jeju Air CEO
The CEO of Jeju Air appeared on live television, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and stating that the cause of the crash remains unclear. He pledged the airline’s full cooperation with government investigations.
10:13 AM: Most Aboard Presumed Dead
Local fire authorities informed Yonhap News that the majority of the 181 individuals on board the plane are believed to have perished. Efforts to recover bodies and investigate the scene are underway.
10:00 AM: South Korea’s Deadliest Aviation Disasters
This incident is now among the most devastating in South Korea’s aviation history, following the 1997 crash of a Korean Airlines plane in Guam, which claimed 228 lives.
9:30 PM: Thailand’s Prime Minister Responds
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, expressed condolences and instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to investigate the presence of Thai nationals on the flight. Immediate assistance has been promised to affected families.
Rescue Efforts and Investigation
Emergency responders and fire officials have been working tirelessly to extinguish the blaze and retrieve survivors. The collision with the wall caused the aircraft to burst into flames, complicating rescue operations.
South Korea’s aviation authorities, along with Jeju Air and international experts, are probing the cause of the crash. Early speculation suggests a possible mechanical failure, but this remains unconfirmed.
International Reactions
Governments and airlines around the world have expressed condolences. Messages of support have poured in from Thailand, home to the flight’s origin, and other nations.
The Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport marks a grim day for South Korea. As rescue teams work to bring closure to the families of victims, the focus will turn to uncovering the reasons behind this tragedy and preventing future occurrences.
Further updates are expected as investigations progress. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.
