Devastating Plane Crash In South Korea: 179 Feared Dead, 2 Survivors Found

At least 179 people are feared dead after a heartbreaking plane crash at South Korea's Muan International Airport on Sunday morning. The news, reported by Yonhap, has left the nation in shock. So far, only two survivors have been rescued from the wreckage.  

(Photo Credit: Reuters) Devastating Plane Crash In South Korea: 179 Feared Dead, 2 Survivors Found

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The Jeju Air flight, traveling from Bangkok to South Korea, was carrying 181 people. It crashed around 9:03 AM during an emergency landing.  

What Happened?

The Boeing 737-800 reportedly had landing gear problems, forcing it to attempt a belly landing at Muan International Airport. Eyewitnesses described hearing loud "bang" sounds just before the plane hit the airport's perimeter wall. The impact caused the plane to break apart and burst into flames.  

Local broadcaster MBC aired videos suggesting that a bird strike might have occurred as the plane was descending. Footage showed the aircraft skidding down the runway with no landing gear visible. Moments later, it slammed into a wall, triggering a fiery explosion.  

Photos and videos shared by local media reveal smoke and fire engulfing parts of the plane. The scene was chaotic and heartbreaking.  

BREAKING: Video shows crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 in South Korea. 181 people on board pic.twitter.com/9rQUC0Yxt8

— BNO News (@BNONews) December 29, 2024

Survivors and Rescue Efforts

Emergency teams are working tirelessly to sift through the wreckage. Firefighters confirmed that two survivors—a passenger and a crew member—were pulled from the tail section of the plane. They are now receiving medical care at a nearby hospital.  

Authorities are focusing on recovering more bodies trapped in the plane's fuselage. The rescue mission is challenging, but every effort is being made.  

South Korea’s Worst Aviation Disaster

  

This tragedy is now being called South Korea's worst aviation disaster. If the death toll is confirmed, it will be the most devastating domestic plane crash in the nation’s history.  

For Jeju Air, this is their first fatal accident since the airline was founded in 2005. Previously, in August 2007, one of their planes slid off the runway in strong winds at Busan-Gimhae Airport. Thankfully, that incident resulted in only a dozen injuries and no fatalities.  

This disaster is a painful reminder of the unpredictable dangers of aviation. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this tragedy.