A heartbreaking accident unfolded in South Korea on Sunday when a Jeju Air flight crashed while landing at Muan International Airport. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 127 people and left many others shaken.
The flight, which had taken off from Bangkok, Thailand, carried 175 passengers and six crew members. It veered off the runway, struck a wall, and burst into flames. Officials suspect a malfunctioning landing gear played a major role, while a bird strike and bad weather may have worsened the situation.
“We believe the pilot faced multiple challenges, including a bird strike, which led to the crash,” said an official. A mayday signal was sent moments before the disaster struck.
Despite the chaos, two crew members were rescued and are now recovering. Firefighters worked tirelessly to put out the fire, finally extinguishing it 43 minutes after the crash.
Jeju Air expressed deep sorrow, apologizing to families and vowing full support for those affected. South Korea’s acting president visited the site, calling it a “special disaster zone” and promising a thorough investigation.
Recovery efforts are underway, with over 1,500 personnel on-site, while a temporary mortuary has been set up for the victims.
This devastating event serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the need for continued safety measures. Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this tragedy.
Stay tuned for updates as authorities work to uncover the cause behind this heartbreaking accident.