In a devastating incident, a Jeju Air plane carrying 181 people crashed while landing at Muan International Airport in southwestern South Korea, leaving at least 62 people dead. The crash occurred shortly after 9:00 a.m. local time (12:00 a.m. GMT), sending shockwaves across the nation.

Crash Details and Rescue Efforts

The aircraft, returning from Bangkok, Thailand, veered off the runway and collided with a wall, sparking a fire. Emergency services immediately launched rescue operations, with over 80 firefighters and 30 fire trucks dispatched to the scene. So far, two survivors—a flight attendant and a passenger—have been rescued from the wreckage. Efforts are ongoing to locate more passengers, particularly in the tail section of the aircraft.

Passenger and Casualty Information

The flight carried 175 passengers and six crew members, including 173 South Koreans and two Thai nationals. Among the 62 confirmed fatalities, 37 were women and 25 were men, according to the National Fire Agency.

Potential Cause and Visual Evidence

While the exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, local media have speculated that birds may have interfered with the aircraft's systems. Unverified videos on social media captured the horrific moment when the plane skidded off the runway, hit a wall, and burst into flames. Another video showed a massive plume of black smoke rising from the crash site.

A Historical First for Jeju Air

This tragedy marks the first fatal accident in the history of Jeju Air, South Korea’s leading low-cost carrier established in 2005. Despite this incident, South Korea’s aviation industry is generally regarded for its strong safety record.

Location and Broader Context

Muan International Airport is located approximately 178 miles (288 kilometers) south of Seoul, the nation’s capital. This tragic event has deeply saddened the country, prompting questions about safety measures and the resilience of the aviation sector.
The crash has left the nation mourning the lives lost while rescue teams continue their tireless efforts. Authorities are committed to uncovering the cause of the accident to prevent such tragedies in the future.