In a devastating aviation disaster, a Jeju Air passenger plane carrying 181 people burst into flames after skidding off the runway at Muan Airport in South Korea on Sunday, December 29, 2024. As per the report of Hindustan Times, plane crash has claimed at least 179 lives, leaving only two survivors—a passenger and a crew member.
Crash Details and Emergency Response
The incident occurred at 9:03 a.m. local time as the plane returned from Bangkok. Officials suspect a malfunction in the front landing gear, which failed to deploy, causing the aircraft to skid across the airstrip and slam into a concrete fence. Footage aired by YTN television showed the horrifying scene of the plane engulfed in flames after the collision.
The National Fire Agency confirmed that the fire was nearly extinguished after deploying 32 fire trucks and multiple helicopters. Rescue workers are still combing through the wreckage to recover bodies and investigate the cause of the accident.
Details of the Tragedy
Among the passengers were two Thai nationals, according to the Transport Ministry. Emergency officials are currently examining the landing gear failure as the likely cause of the crash. This marks one of the deadliest air disasters in South Korea since 1997, when a Korean Airlines flight crashed in Guam, killing 228 people.
Heartbreaking Reactions
Social media has been inundated with expressions of grief. Megh Update tweeted, "SAD NEWS! South Korea Airlines crashes, explodes with 181 passengers. 179 people presumed DEAD in South Korea plane crash. Only 2 survivors. OH GOD."
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the tragedy. The South Korean government has pledged full support to the victims' families and is working to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This catastrophic event is a somber reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the fragility of human life in the face of such disasters.