A devastating crash occurred at Muan International Airport in South Korea involving Jeju Air Flight 7C-2216, which claimed the lives of 179 people. The flight, a Boeing 737-800, was carrying 175 passengers and 6 crew members from Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand to Muan International Airport on December 28, 2024.
The crash occurred during landing, with the plane skidding off the runway and catching fire. Early investigations suggest that a bird strike caused a landing gear failure, which led to the plane being unable to land properly. The plane then exploded after hitting a wall on the runway. The impact caused extensive damage, and most of the aircraft was destroyed in the fire.
Out of the 181 people on board, only two crew members survived with injuries. Tragically, there were no survivors among the passengers. The crash has become the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea in over two decades.
The incident has raised questions about the safety protocols surrounding bird strikes, and authorities are continuing their investigations to confirm the exact cause of the crash. Initial reports have confirmed that 179 people have died, including a 3-year-old child. The two survivors are receiving medical attention for their injuries.
Rescue operations are continuing, but the crash site remains difficult to navigate due to the extensive damage caused by the fire. The South Korean authorities have already confirmed the death toll and are working on providing more information in the coming days. This crash has marked a tragic day for South Korean aviation and is one of the country’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent history.
Authorities are also investigating whether the incident could have been prevented with improved bird strike prevention measures.
Source: Business Insider
