Tragic Plane Crash at Muan Airport, South Korea: 179 of 181 Passengers Presumed Dead: In a devastating incident, a Jeju Air flight with 181 people aboard crashed while landing at Muan International Airport in southern South Korea on Sunday, December 29, 2024. The plane, a Boeing 737-800, was returning from Bangkok, Thailand, when the tragedy unfolded.
According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, the flight carried 175 passengers and six flight attendants. After the plane landed, reports confirmed that the aircraft caught fire, causing the death toll to rise rapidly. Local authorities initially confirmed 28 deaths, but the number increased as many passengers were critically injured. Despite rescue efforts, 179 people, including passengers and crew, are presumed dead. Only two individuals were confirmed to have survived the crash.
The fire, which engulfed the plane on the runway, was mostly extinguished by firefighters, who were seen battling thick black smoke and flames. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, though initial reports indicate that the plane’s landing gear malfunctioned, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and collide with a fence. Visuals from the scene revealed that the plane had attempted to land without opening its landing gear, leading to a catastrophic explosion.
Emergency services are still working to remove bodies from the wreckage, while local news stations aired distressing footage of the aftermath. The incident has shaken the nation and prompted a swift response from Jeju Air. In a statement, the airline expressed deep regret, stating, “We deeply apologize to all those affected by the incident at Muan Airport. We will make every effort to resolve the situation and sincerely regret the distress caused.”
This tragic incident comes just days after another horrific crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan. An Azerbaijan Airlines flight, J2-8243, crashed after veering off its scheduled route, killing 38 of the 67 people on board. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with early reports suggesting that it may have been rerouted due to dense fog. There are also claims that the plane was mistakenly shot down by Russian air defenses, though Russian authorities have yet to confirm this theory. Russian President Vladimir Putin extended an apology to Azerbaijan’s leadership for the incident, calling it a “tragic event,” though he did not directly acknowledge the plane’s downing.
As the investigations continue into both crashes, the world mourns the loss of so many lives, while airlines and aviation authorities review safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.