A deadly plane crash in South Korea has killed at least 174 people, with only two survivors, according to the latest reports. The incident, involving Jeju Air flight 7C2216, marks South Korea’s worst aviation disaster in history.
On Sunday morning, the Boeing 737-800, en route from Bangkok to Muan International Airport, crashed after a suspected bird strike led to a series of catastrophic failures.
Suspected Bird Strike and Mechanical Failures
Reports indicate that bird strikes may have caused the initial engine failure. Eyewitnesses at Muan Airport reported a loud explosion and visible sparks before the plane veered off the runway and crashed into a wall. 
According to the South Korean transport ministry, the aircraft’s landing gear failed to deploy, forcing the pilot to attempt a crash landing. The plane was diverted to a different area than usual due to the bird strike warning from the control tower.
“The morning of the crash was ordinary until we heard the explosion. After that, everything was chaos,” a witness recalled. A passenger’s final text message was chilling: “Should I say my last words?”
Plane Engulfed in Flames, Rescue Operations Underway
The aircraft skidded off the runway, crashing into a wall and exploding into flames. The aftermath showed the wreckage scattered, with the tail being the only recognizable part. Thirty-two fire trucks and several helicopters were deployed to contain the blaze, as rescue teams searched for victims across the crash site.
Lee Jeong-hyeon, Chief of Muan’s fire station, shared, “The impact scattered bodies across the site, and the wreckage was barely identifiable.” A significant search operation was launched, with 1,560 responders working tirelessly to recover the bodies.
Jeju Air’s Response and Investigations
Jeju Air, the airline involved in the aviation incident, is cooperating fully with authorities. The CEO of Jeju Air confirmed that the plane had no previous history of accidents. In a press conference, he also reassured the public that there were no early signs of mechanical issues, despite reports of engine failure prior to takeoff.
As investigations unfold, flight data from the black box has been retrieved, and authorities continue to search for the cockpit voice recorder.
Joo Jong-wan, a senior official from South Korea’s transport ministry, mentioned, “We are working hard to uncover the exact cause of the crash.”
Passenger Concerns and Flight Delays
Prior to the crash, some passengers expressed concerns about the aircraft’s condition. A passenger who boarded the same flight shared that the plane experienced engine shutdowns while people were boarding.
The flight had been delayed for an hour due to airport issues, adding to the growing anxiety among passengers.
South Korea’s Aviation Safety Record Under Scrutiny
South Korea’s aviation industry is known for its solid safety track record, making this crash even more devastating. The Jeju Air disaster has raised concerns about flight safety and the handling of potential hazards, such as bird strikes and mechanical failures.
Experts assert that the country’s aviation authorities must review protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Families Await Answers as Search Continues
The crash has left many families grieving, with more than 170 South Korean nationals and two Thai nationals aboard the ill-fated flight. Authorities are working to identify the victims through the passenger manifest. As search efforts continue, families are anxiously awaiting answers regarding the causes of the crash.
“This is a tragic day for South Korea,” said a local official. “We are committed to providing support to the families and ensuring that the cause of this devastating crash is determined.”
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