By: Bayero Ade
A devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday morning has claimed the lives of 179 passengers and crew aboard a Jeju Air flight, with only two survivors pulled from the wreckage.
According to Peoples Gazette, the Boeing 737-800 was attempting to land after a flight from Bangkok when it veered off the runway, collided with a concrete barrier, and erupted into flames. Authorities report that the two survivors are in critical condition, while the rest of the 181 people onboard are presumed dead.
Witnesses described the harrowing scene as thick smoke billowed from the wreckage and debris scattered across the runway. Footage of the crash shows the aircraft skidding uncontrollably before the fatal collision.
Preliminary investigations suggest a bird strike combined with poor weather conditions may have caused a landing gear failure, leading to the crash. A full investigation is underway to determine the exact sequence of events.
Jeju Air, one of South Korea’s leading budget airlines, has expressed its condolences to the victims’ families and pledged to cooperate fully with authorities. In a statement, the airline confirmed that the aircraft had been in service for 15 years without any prior incidents.
Most passengers on board were South Korean nationals, with two Thai nationals among the victims. This tragedy marks one of the darkest days in South Korea’s aviation history.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates as recovery efforts and investigations continue.
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