MUAN: At least 124 individuals have been confirmed dead following a catastrophic aviation accident involving a Jeju Air passenger jet in Muan, South Jeolla Province. The aircraft, carrying 181 people, burst into flames after veering off the runway and colliding with a wall at Muan International Airport, marking one of the most severe aviation disasters in the history of the Republic of Korea.
According to Lao News Agency, the disaster unfolded at 9:07 a.m. when the Jeju Air flight, arriving from Bangkok, failed to deploy its landing gear and skidded along the runway. The plane collided with a concrete fence wall, leading to a massive explosion and subsequent fire. Firefighting authorities have confirmed the death toll at 124, with only two crew members rescued and currently receiving medical care for non-life-threatening injuries in Mokpo.
The crash, which occurred approximately 288 kilometers southwest of Seoul, prompted an immediate response from emergency services. Rescue operations are ongoing to recover the bodies of the deceased, many of whom were Korean nationals. A temporary morgue has been established at the airport to accommodate the victims.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a landing gear malfunction, potentially due to a bird strike, may have caused the crash. Authorities have commenced a comprehensive on-site investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. South Jeolla officials have escalated emergency alerts to their highest level, deploying all available resources to the site.
In response to the tragedy, Acting President Choi Sang-mok has declared Muan county a special disaster zone. During his visit to the crash site, he pledged government support to the victims’ families and emphasized the need for a thorough search and rescue operation. The presidential office has maintained a 24-hour emergency system to ensure swift responses and coordination among agencies involved in the investigation and support efforts.
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae has publicly apologized, assuming full responsibility for the tragedy and committing to provide support to the families affected. The company and government agencies continue to work closely to address the needs of those impacted by this devastating event.