Tragedy in South Korea: Plane Crash Claims 179 Lives
Suraj Sarkar ??
Water Resource Engineer | WaterGEMS l Civil 3D | Water Supply & Irrigation Systems
A devastating tragedy struck South Korea on Sunday when a Jeju Air flight crash-landed at Muan International Airport, killing 179 of the 181 people onboard. The Boeing 737-800, operating Flight 2216, had been returning from Bangkok, Thailand, when it skidded off the runway and crashed into a wall, igniting a fiery explosion.
Only two survivors, both cabin crew members, were rescued from the wreckage and remain in critical condition.
Crash Details
The ill-fated flight was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, many of whom were holidaymakers returning from Thailand. Upon landing in South Korea's southern region, the plane veered off the runway and burst into flames upon impact.
The recovery effort has been particularly harrowing, with several victims identified only through fingerprint analysis.
Grieving Families
Distraught families gathered at the airport, awaiting news of their loved ones. Among the victims were 173 South Korean nationals and two Thai nationals, aged between 3 and 78.
Maeng Gi-su, 78, told the BBC about his tragic loss:
"I can't believe the entire family has just disappeared," he said, referring to his nephew and the nephew's two sons. It was their first overseas trip to celebrate the youngest son's college entrance exam success.
Jongluk Doungmanee, a 49-year-old mother of two, was also among the victims. She lived in South Korea with her husband and worked in agriculture. Her cousin, Pornphichaya Chalermsin, told BBC Thai:
领英推荐
"I never thought it would involve Thai people. Watching the video footage made me feel even more distressed."
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Possible factors under consideration include mechanical failure, adverse weather, and human error.
Resources and Support
Jeju Air has pledged full cooperation with investigators and support for affected families. South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport is expected to release a preliminary report soon.
Stay updated through these official sources:
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of air safety and the profound impact such tragedies have on families and communities worldwide.
To receive updates on this story and more, subscribe to our newsletter.