South Korea’s Deadliest Aviation Disaster: Plane Crash at Muan International Airport Claims 179 Lives
Muan, South Korea – At least 179 people have died in a catastrophic aviation accident at Muan International Airport, marking one of South Korea’s worst-ever air disasters.
The incident occurred on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 9:03 a.m. local time (00:03 GMT) when a Jeju Air flight from Bangkok attempted to land at the airport, located approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles) southwest of Seoul.
The ill-fated flight, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, crashed after reportedly encountering bird strikes that caused its landing gear to malfunction. The National Fire Agency confirmed that 85 women, 84 men, and 10 individuals whose genders have yet to be identified lost their lives in the accident.
Two crew members were rescued from the wreckage and are receiving medical care.
Fire Extinguished but Questions Remain
Authorities said a fire engulfed the aircraft after it skidded and crashed but was subsequently extinguished. Emergency teams and investigators are now combing through the debris to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the tragedy.
“This is a somber day for our nation,” said a spokesperson for the National Fire Agency. “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families during this unimaginable loss.”
Worst Air Disaster on South Korean Soil
Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride, reporting from Seoul, confirmed the accident has been declared the deadliest in South Korea’s history. The aviation disaster has left the country in mourning and has prompted an urgent review of airport safety protocols.
Investigation Underway
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has launched an investigation into the crash. Experts have pointed to bird strikes as a growing hazard in aviation and are calling for enhanced measures to mitigate the risk.
International Condolences and Support
The tragedy has drawn condolences from across the globe, with world leaders offering their sympathies to South Korea. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has pledged its support in investigating the crash and ensuring global aviation safety standards are upheld.
As the nation grieves, authorities are focused on identifying the victims and providing support to their families while working to prevent similar disasters in the future.
