A tragic plane crash involving Jeju Air has claimed the lives of 179 passengers and crew members, leaving only two survivors. The disaster occurred on Sunday morning at Muan International Airport in South Korea, when a flight arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, crashed during its landing.
Flight 2216, with 181 people on board, was attempting to land at 9:03 AM local time when the aircraft, having suffered a suspected bird strike, lost control and crashed into a barrier. The impact caused the plane to erupt in flames, and fire officials reported that the fuselage was “almost completely destroyed.” The crash left the wreckage scattered across the area, with debris, including seats and luggage, found near the charred remains of the aircraft.
According to local authorities, a bird strike and severe weather conditions are believed to have contributed to the accident. The plane’s belly landing and subsequent skid off the runway resulted in the aircraft colliding with a wall, throwing passengers from the plane. Authorities said the chances of survival were extremely low, given the force of the impact. Only two people, both flight attendants, survived the crash.
As of early evening, 179 victims had been confirmed dead, though recovery teams continue to work on identifying the remains. The scene at the airport was one of heartbreak as family members gathered, anxiously waiting for updates. The names and nationalities of the victims were displayed on the airport’s information boards, underscoring the scale of the tragedy.
The Ministry of Land and Transport reported that a bird strike warning was issued about three minutes before the plane’s landing attempt. Just moments before the crash, the pilot made a Mayday call. Investigators are now focusing on the combined impact of the bird strike and the adverse weather conditions, although the exact cause of the crash will be determined after a thorough investigation.
Jeju Air, South Korea’s leading low-cost carrier, expressed deep condolences and pledged to assist the families of the victims. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, also offered its support.
This devastating crash marks the first fatal accident in Jeju Air’s history since its founding in 2005. South Korea’s acting President, Choi Sang-mok, has vowed to coordinate full government efforts to manage the aftermath and support the victims’ families.
