Over 170 Fatalities as South Korean Jet Crash-Lands at Airport: What We Know

In a tragic incident on Sunday morning, a passenger jet crash occurred at an airport in southwestern South Korea, marking the country’s worst aviation disaster since 1997, when 228 people lost their lives. This report provides an account of the events and the subsequent investigations.

Disaster Unfolds at Muan County’s Airport

The Jeju Air flight 7C 2216, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, had departed from Bangkok and was nearing its destination at Muan County’s airport. Just after 9 a.m. local time, the aircraft skidded along the runway on its belly, struck an embankment, and erupted into flames. The scene was chaotic as emergency services rushed to contain the fire and assist survivors.

Footage from South Korean news outlets showed the plane sliding at high speed, with smoke trailing from its rear before it was engulfed in flames. Preliminary findings suggest a malfunction with the landing gear, which failed to deploy fully. However, the exact cause remains undetermined, and investigators are examining the evidence to clarify the sequence of events.

South Korean authorities disclosed that the pilot had reported a bird strike shortly before attempting an emergency landing. This prompted a comprehensive response, including the declaration of a national mourning period and a thorough review of the country’s aviation protocols. The government has ordered inspections of all aircraft of the same model to ensure their safety.

Watch the incident below:

Ongoing Investigation and National Response

Investigative teams from South Korea and the United States, including representatives from Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are collaborating to uncover the causes of the crash. The presence of birds in the vicinity moments before the incident has raised questions about their potential role in the tragedy. The recovery of the flight data and cockpit voice recorders is expected to provide critical insights into the incident.

The aftermath of the crash has seen an outpouring of grief and solidarity from the public. Over 700 emergency personnel were deployed to assist at the crash site. The nation’s leader has assured transparency in the investigation and emphasized the importance of safety measures to prevent future disasters. Families of the victims have received widespread support, and efforts to provide them with assistance are ongoing.

This devastating event has reignited discussions about aviation safety and the measures needed to protect passengers. As the investigation continues, the nation—and the world—awaits answers to understand the causes and prevent such tragedies in the future.