A Jeju Air flight with 181 people aboard crashed at South Korea’s Muan International Airport on Sunday, killing at least 85 individuals. The Boeing 737-8AS, returning from Thailand, veered off the runway while attempting to land and erupted into flames. Emergency services arrived at the crash site in the South Jeolla province shortly after the incident, which occurred around 9 a.m.

Rescue Efforts and Casualties

Authorities managed to rescue two individuals, continuing efforts to evacuate passengers from the aircraft’s rear section. Among those on board, 175 were passengers, and six were crew members. Visuals from the scene revealed thick black smoke billowing from the crash site, highlighting the severity of the disaster.

Cause of the Crash

Preliminary investigations suggest the crash was caused by a bird strike that damaged the plane’s landing gear, resulting in a failed belly landing attempt. The aircraft then crashed into a fence before catching fire.

Government and Airline Responses

Acting President Choi Sang-mok directed all available resources to aid in the rescue operations. “All related agencies must mobilize all available resources to save the personnel,” he stated.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

Jeju Airline flight from Bangkok attempts a belly landing in South Korea and explodes. 28 confirmed dead so far. This would be the third fatal civilian aeroplane crash these last couple of weeks after the ones in Brazil and Kazakhstan. pic.twitter.com/4felJj3CJb

— Ork on the WAAAGHpath (@ZedSignBot) December 29, 2024

Jeju Air, South Korea’s largest low-cost carrier, issued a public apology for the tragic incident. “We sincerely apologize for causing concern and will do everything in our power to respond to this accident,” the airline said in a statement.

First Fatal Crash for Jeju Air

This marks Jeju Air’s first fatal accident since its establishment in 2005. The ill-fated aircraft was acquired in 2017 from Europe’s low-cost airline, Ryanair. In 2007, the airline faced a non-fatal incident when strong winds caused a Bombardier Q400 to veer off the runway, injuring a dozen passengers.

Second Air Disaster in a Week

The Muan crash follows a similar tragedy earlier this week when Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243 crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 people. That incident occurred near the city of Aktau after the flight diverted from southern Russia amid Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian cities.

With two devastating air disasters occurring within days, questions are being raised about aviation safety and emergency preparedness.