A devastating plane crash at South Korea’s Muan International Airport has left at least 85 people dead, with fears that the toll could rise. The Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, carrying 181 passengers, crashed after attempting an emergency belly landing following a suspected bird strike and landing gear failure. The plane, which had flown from Bangkok, Thailand, was seen dragging along its underbody before crashing into a wall and bursting into flames.
Chain of Events Leading to the Crash
The crash occurred when the aircraft attempted an emergency landing after a malfunction with its landing gear, possibly caused by a bird strike. According to witnesses and airport authorities, the landing gear appeared to have failed, and the pilots attempted a belly landing to avoid a more severe impact. However, the plane continued its descent at high speed before hitting a wall and catching fire.
The South Korean National Fire Agency has confirmed the rescue of two people, but tragically, the rest of the passengers and crew are feared dead. The plane’s trajectory and the lack of a typical circling manoeuvre before the landing have raised questions from aviation experts. In such cases, pilots usually circle the airport to troubleshoot before attempting a landing, but this was not observed in this incident.
Weather and Bird Strike Contribute to the Disaster
Bad weather conditions have been cited as a contributing factor to the crash. Lee Jeong-hyun, chief of Muan fire station, mentioned that the bird strike, combined with adverse weather, could have been the primary cause of the accident. He emphasised that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.
The tragic event has sparked widespread concern, with many people raising questions about the plane’s speed during the approach and the preparedness of emergency teams. Experts also expressed concerns about the lack of firefighting personnel near the runway, as is typically required in case of a planned belly landing.
Jeju Air’s Apology and Government Response
Jeju Air, the low-cost airline operating the ill-fated flight, has issued an apology for the crash and promised to assist in every possible way. “We at Jeju Air will do everything in our power in response to this accident. We sincerely apologise for causing concern,” the airline said in a statement on social media.
South Korea’s acting President, Choi Sang-mok, also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, saying, “No words of consolation would suffice for the bereaved families who have suffered this tragedy. The entire government is working closely together to manage the aftermath of the accident, dedicating all available resources while making every effort to support the families.”
Ongoing Investigation
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, with aviation experts and government officials reviewing the circumstances leading up to the incident. South Korean authorities are conducting a joint inquiry to uncover the truth behind the tragic event.
As rescue and recovery operations continue, the hearts of the nation are with the families affected by this catastrophic crash at Muan International Airport.
