28 Dead as Plane Crashes at Muan Airport in South Korea
A devastating plane crash at Muan airport in South Korea has left 28 people dead after Jeju Air Flight 2216, carrying 181 passengers and crew, veered off the runway during landing. The crash, which occurred around 9 am in the South Jeolla province, saw the Boeing 737-800 burst into flames after colliding with a fence in a failed belly landing attempt.
Emergency responders immediately began rescue operations, evacuating survivors from the aircraft’s rear section. Two passengers were pulled to safety, and the rescue operation continued amid billowing black smoke rising from the crash site.
Horrifying footage emerging of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 (not a Max) with 175 onboard involved in a crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea — video shows the aircraft attempting a ‘belly landing’ (without its landing gear extended) before impacting the perimeter wall pic.twitter.com/C3JCUz8Iw8
— Alex Macheras (@AlexInAir) December 29, 2024
Bird Strikes Blamed for Crash
Preliminary investigations have pointed to bird strikes as the likely cause of the accident. Officials reported that the aircraft’s landing gear malfunctioned after contact with birds during its approach. The impact led to the plane losing control, resulting in the tragic crash.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok emphasized the urgency of the situation, instructing all agencies to mobilize resources to save lives. He stated, “All related agencies must mobilize all available resources to save the personnel.”
Details of the Flight
Jeju Air Flight 2216 was returning to South Korea from Thailand with 181 people onboard, including 175 passengers and six crew members. The ill-fated flight ended in tragedy as it struggled to land at its intended destination.
The crash has reignited discussions about aviation safety, particularly in relation to the risks posed by wildlife near runways. The blackened wreckage and flames underscore the severity of the incident, leaving the nation in mourning.
A Week of Aviation Tragedies
This marks the second aviation disaster in the region within a week. On Wednesday, an Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed in Kazakhstan, claiming 38 lives. That incident also raised concerns about external factors, with allegations of interference during the flight.
The back-to-back tragedies have spotlighted global aviation safety protocols, calling for enhanced measures to prevent such catastrophic events.
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities in South Korea have launched an investigation into the Muan airport crash, with focus on the sequence of events leading up to the belly landing attempt. Aviation experts are examining the impact of bird strikes and reviewing safety measures at the airport.
As the nation grieves, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges facing modern air travel. The world awaits answers while families and communities mourn the lives lost in this heartbreaking accident.
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