Table of Contents
South Korea Deadliest Air Disaster: Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 Crash at Muan International Airport
Overview of the Incident
- Date and Time: The crash occurred shortly after 9 a.m. on Sunday.
- Flight Details: Jeju Air flight 7C2216 was arriving from Bangkok with 175 passengers and six crew members.
- Location: Muan International Airport, South Korea.
Casualties and Survivors
- Death Toll: At least 177 people confirmed dead.
- Survivors: Two crew members rescued from the tail section with serious injuries. Two others are presumed dead.
Crash Details
- The plane belly-landed, skidded without visible landing gear, and collided with a wall, erupting into flames.
- Eyewitness accounts describe only the tail section remaining somewhat intact.
Investigation and Possible Causes
Potential Factors
- Bird Strike: Investigators are examining whether a bird strike caused the landing gear to malfunction. A passenger reported a bird stuck in the wing.
- Weather Conditions: Weather is also under scrutiny as a contributing factor.
Aircraft Information
- Model: Boeing 737-800.
- Year of Manufacture: 2009.
Immediate Aftermath
Scene of the Crash
- Smell of aviation fuel and blood filled the site.
- Authorities and soldiers are searching for remains and debris.
Victim Identification
- Family members are being informed using fingerprint analysis, leading to emotional scenes at the airport.
- A temporary morgue has been set up to handle the bodies.
Broader Context
Airline History
- This was the first fatal crash for Jeju Air since its founding in 2005.
- It is the worst air accident involving a South Korean airline since the 1997 Korean Air crash in Guam.
Government and Public Reaction
- South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok has prioritized the government’s response to the disaster.
- Family members and survivors expressed grief and anger over the lack of clear information.
International Impact
- Two Thai nationals were among the passengers. The Thai Prime Minister sent condolences to the victims’ families.
Significance
This tragedy has marked a grim chapter in South Korean aviation history, prompting an urgent investigation into the cause and renewed scrutiny of air safety measures.