A catastrophic plane crash in South Korea has claimed the lives of at least 177 people, marking the country’s worst air disaster in decades. The Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, crash-landed at Muan International Airport after a mayday call. The only survivors, a male and female crew member, were found in the tail section of the plane, which was the only recognizable part of the charred aircraft. Three passengers remain unaccounted for.
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
The incident has raised concerns about the safety measures at Muan International Airport. Minutes before the crash, air traffic controllers reportedly warned the pilot of a bird strike risk, which might have contributed to the accident. South Korea’s fire service has confirmed that the majority of the victims are South Korean nationals, with two Thai passengers among them.
The crash occurred as the plane, traveling from Bangkok to Muan, struggled to land, likely due to landing gear malfunction. Aviation experts suggest hydraulic issues could be a factor, although a bird strike is also under investigation. Muan International Airport has recorded South Korea’s highest rate of bird strikes among regional airports, exacerbating concerns about its location near coastal areas and fields.
Bird strikes, while rare, are catastrophic when they occur. Experts note the risk has increased due to climate change, which has altered migratory patterns and made some birds permanent residents near airports. Despite countermeasures such as sound deterrents and monitoring systems, Muan International Airport has seen 10 bird strikes since 2019, a rate significantly higher than at other major airports in South Korea.
Questions have also been raised about the emergency response on the ground. Aviation analysts criticized the lack of preemptive measures such as foam on the runway and immediate deployment of fire tankers. The severity of the crash highlights the importance of robust airport protocols to mitigate risks and enhance safety in crisis situations.
The crash underscores the need for comprehensive investigations to determine the exact cause and prevent future tragedies. As families mourn the victims, the aviation industry faces renewed pressure to address emerging risks and implement advanced technologies to safeguard passengers.
