Tragic plane crash in South Korea claims over 120 lives
A tragic plane crash occurred at Muan International Airport in South Korea, resulting in a significant loss of life on Sunday December 29, 2024.
The aircraft involved was Jeju Air flight 2216, which was operating a route from Bangkok and was carrying a total of 181 individuals, including passengers and crew members.
Reports as of the time this story was published indicate that the death toll has risen to 122, with only two survivors, both of whom were crew members—one male and one female.
The victims included 54 males, 57 females, and 11 individuals whose gender remains undetermined. Most of the remaining passengers and crew are presumed dead.
Circumstances of the crash
Eyewitness accounts and footage from local media show the aircraft sliding on its belly down the runway before bursting into flames. Initial assessments by local fire officials suggest that a landing gear malfunction likely caused the crash. This speculation is supported by observations that neither the front nor back landing gear was visible during the incident.
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In response to this disaster, authorities in South Korea have mobilized over 700 personnel from various agencies, including police and military units, to assist with rescue operations and recovery efforts. The site has been declared a special disaster zone by the acting president of South Korea, who has pledged to allocate all necessary resources for recovery and support for victims’ families.
A thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. Aviation experts caution against jumping to conclusions at this early stage; they emphasize that more information is needed before definitive statements can be made regarding potential causes such as bad weather or bird strikes.
The flight data recorder (black box) and cockpit voice recorder are crucial components that investigators will analyze once recovery operations are complete. These devices will provide critical insights into the events leading up to the crash.
The incident marks one of the deadliest in aviation disasters in South Korea in recent history, prompting national mourning and calls for improved safety measures within the aviation sector.
