South Korea woke up to a heartbreaking tragedy on Sunday morning as Jeju Air Flight 2216 flying from Bangkok to South Korea crashed at Muan International Airport. At least 85 passengers were killed as the plane caught fire while landing at the South Korean airport after its landing gear malfunctioned. The plane returning from Bangkok had about 181 people onboard.
Jeju Air Flight Crashes While Landing At South Korea Airport
A horrific video circulating online showed the low-cost carrier crashing and bursting into flames while landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea. The fire was put out and the rescue team tried removing passengers from the damaged aircraft. 85 people were confirmed dead due to the mishap with only two survivors.
Jeju Air Flight 2216 crash at Muan Airport in South Korea. 💔 179 lives lost 📷 2 survivors #SouthKorea #FlightCrash #Muan pic.twitter.com/OYmesSPEwE
— Ashok Panda (@ashokpanda1) December 29, 2024
As per a report by The Korea Times, this accident took place at 9:07 AM (local time). Jeju Air Flight 2216 apparently veered off the runway and crashed a fence. The twin-engine plane skidded off the runway and immediately burst into flames. Within seconds, the sky was filled with black smoke as flames engulfed the aircraft.
Authorities removed several people trapped in the flight and transported them to local hospitals. Many passengers sitting in the tail section of the plane passed away due to the tragedy. Most of the passengers on the fire-engulfed flight were Koreans while two were Thai nationals.
About 179 Passengers Feared Dead
As rescue operations are underway, authorities extinguished the fire engulfing the debris of the Jeju Air flight. Moreover, authorities are conducting an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the plane crash. As per The Korean Herald, the fatal crash could have taken place due to a flock of birds colliding with the aircraft. This could have led to the malfunctioning of the landing gear.
— The Boeing Company (@Boeing) December 29, 2024
Jeju Air released a statement apologising to the bereaved families. Jeju Air CEO Kim Lee-bae extended his deepest apologies and condolences to those affected by the accident. He revealed that the cause of the accident was difficult to determine so they are awaiting official investigation results.
The statement said that Jeju Air’s first priority was to do everything possible to manage this accident at Muan Airport accident. Boeing also posted a condolence message on X and informed people that they are in contact with Jeju Air team.
Also Read: New Starbucks Opens On The Border Of South Korea, Offers Views Of North Korea; See Pics!
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the South Korea plane crash.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikipedia
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE. First Published: December 29, 2024 11:11 AM