A Jeju Air flight carrying 181 people crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday morning. Authorities cited a collision with birds and adverse weather as the likely causes of the crash, according to news agency AFP.
The Boeing 737-800, en route from Bangkok, attempted a landing at 9.03am (local time) when the incident occurred. Video footage captured before the crash showed an explosion in the right engine of the aircraft. Another video showed the moment the plane skidded on the runway without its landing gear deployed, trailed by smoke from the engines, before colliding with a concrete barrier and erupting into flames.
“The cause of the accident is presumed to be a bird strike combined with adverse weather conditions. However, the exact cause will be announced following a joint investigation,” chief Lee Jeong-hyeon of the Muan fire station said.
Bird strike warning issued minutes before crash
Transport ministry officials confirmed that the airport control tower had issued a bird strike warning to the flight shortly before its approach. Pilots were advised to consider diverting to another landing area. Despite the warning, the plane attempted to land, leading to the explosion upon impact.
Rescue and investigation
Emergency responders faced a harrowing scene, with plumes of thick black smoke and the wreckage engulfed in flames. Firefighters rescued two crew members, the only known survivors, who were conscious but critically injured. Nearly 1,600 personnel, including police, soldiers, and firefighters, were deployed to assist in recovery efforts.
“The plane is almost completely destroyed, with only the tail section recognisable. Identifying the deceased is proving difficult due to the extent of the fire,” Lee said.
Officials retrieved the flight’s black box and cockpit voice recorder to investigate the sequence of events leading to the crash.
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Government and airline response
Acting President Choi Sang-mok convened an emergency meeting and called for all available resources to support rescue efforts and assist affected families. “The government is dedicated to managing the aftermath and supporting the bereaved,” he said.
Jeju Air expressed “profound apologies” and pledged full cooperation in the investigation. Boeing also extended condolences, promising technical assistance.
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