179 Dead, 2 Survivors: South Korea’s Worst Aviation Disaster Unfolded

Crash 2 Dashing News

South Korea has experienced its worst aviation disaster in decades, with Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crashing at Muan International Airport. This tragedy has left the nation in mourning, as 179 out of 181 people on board lost their lives. Here’s everything you need to know about the incident.

What Happened?

On Saturday, Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, was travelling from Bangkok to Muan with 175 passengers and six crew members. The aircraft crashed into a wall at the edge of the airport during an attempted emergency landing, erupting into flames and leaving a trail of devastation.

  • Fatalities: 179 confirmed dead.

  • Survivors: Two crew members hospitalized.

  • Aircraft: Boeing 737-800.

  • Significance: Deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea since 1997.

Cause of the Crash

Initial investigations suggest multiple factors that may have contributed to the crash:

  • Bird Strike: The control tower issued a bird strike warning shortly before the crash. Fire officials reported that the collision severely damaged the plane, flinging passengers from the aircraft.

  • Mechanical Failure: Experts believe landing gear malfunction and simultaneous brake failure may have exacerbated the situation.

  • Inoperable Safety Systems: Choi Kee-young, an aviation professor, stated that key safety systems, including reverse engines and air brakes, did not function properly.

Rescue Operations

Rescue teams worked tirelessly at the crash site, using cranes to lift the charred fuselage and recover the victims. The grim aftermath included:

  • Debris: Plane seats and luggage scattered across the crash zone.

  • Identification: 65 victims identified so far.

  • Temporary Morgue: Set up to accommodate the deceased.

Witnesses described the scene as harrowing, with strong odours of aviation fuel and blood permeating the air.

National Mourning and Government Response

In response to the disaster, Acting President Choi Sang-mok declared a seven-day national mourning period and designated Muan as a special disaster zone to facilitate aid.

  • Support Measures: Bereaved families are receiving state assistance, including financial and medical support.

  • Official Statement: “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives,” Choi said during a press briefing.

Global Condolences

The tragedy has drawn condolences from world leaders, including:

  • India: Amit Kumar, Indian Ambassador to South Korea, expressed solidarity with the victims’ families.

  • China: President Xi Jinping conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved.

  • Japan: Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba mourned the loss of lives in an official statement.

Jeju Air and Boeing’s Response

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae publicly apologized during a televised briefing, vowing to support the victims’ families and cooperate fully with the investigation. Boeing also extended condolences and pledged technical assistance to uncover the cause of the crash.

Grief and Personal Stories

Heartbreaking accounts have emerged from families of the victims:

  • A relative received a final message from a passenger reporting the bird strike moments before the crash.

  • “Should I say my last words?” read one text message.

  • Grieving families demanded access to the crash site for closure and identification of their loved ones.

Investigation Underway

The black boxes—the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder—have been recovered, although one is partially damaged. Experts anticipate that it will take months to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Broader Context

This incident marks the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea since the 1997 Korean Air crash in Guam, which killed over 200 people. The crash also highlights the global aviation sector’s ongoing safety challenges:

  • Recent accidents include an Azerbaijan Airlines crash in Kazakhstan and a landing mishap in Halifax, Canada.

  • South Korea’s aviation safety record remains robust despite this tragedy.

Final Thoughts

This devastating incident has left a deep scar on South Korea and the global aviation community. As investigations continue, the focus remains on uncovering the truth and providing support to the grieving families.

References

  • Yonhap News Agency

  • Reuters

  • Statements from South Korean Officials and Global Leaders

 

 

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