A devastating crash of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 at Muan Airport, South Korea, has likely claimed 174 lives, leaving only two survivors among the 181 passengers and crew. “A horrific plane crash at an airport in South Korea is feared to have killed all but two of the 181 people on board,” officials confirmed.
The flight, departing from Bangkok, Thailand, crashed at 9:03 a.m. local time. Video footage shows the plane skidding on the runway with landing gear retracted before hitting a wall and erupting into flames. A distress signal was sent moments before impact.
Early assessments indicate a bird strike warning was issued shortly before landing. The flight data recorder and cockpit audio have been recovered to aid the investigation.
Jeju Air expressed a “deep apology,” with CEO Kim E-bae stating, “We feel full responsibility.” The airline reported no prior mechanical issues with the plane. Boeing offered condolences and assistance, stating, “Our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew.”
The National Fire Agency confirmed 174 fatalities, including 83 women, 80 men, and 11 unidentifiable victims. Only the plane’s tail remains intact. Investigators are working to uncover the cause of the tragedy.
This disaster follows another recent aviation tragedy involving an Azerbaijan Airlines crash on Christmas Day, which claimed 38 lives.
