(LibertySociety.com) – A Jeju Air flight crashed in South Korea on Sunday morning, killing 179 people in one of the country’s deadliest aviation disasters. The Boeing 737-800, operated by the low-cost carrier, was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members when it skidded off the runway at Muan International Airport and collided with a concrete barrier. The crash is believed to have been caused by a malfunction in the plane’s front landing gear.
The flight, which originated in Thailand, landed at 9:07 a.m. local time in Muan County, South Jeolla Province, about 180 miles south of Seoul. The impact of the crash caused the aircraft to burst into flames, with smoke seen billowing from the wreckage. Emergency crews quickly arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire and begin rescue efforts.
The victims include 84 women, 82 men, and 11 individuals whose genders were not immediately identifiable. Two crew members, a man and a woman, were the only survivors. Both were rescued from the tail section of the plane, which was partially intact. They are conscious and receiving treatment for their injuries, which include fractures to ribs, shoulders, and the spine. One survivor reportedly told doctors he woke up to find himself being pulled from the wreckage.
Rescue teams and investigators have been working tirelessly to recover evidence and assist with identifying victims. The flight data recorder, a crucial tool for understanding the events leading to the crash, has been recovered. However, crews are still searching for the cockpit voice recorder, which could provide additional insight into what occurred in the final moments before the crash.
Muan fire chief Lee Jung-hyun described the extent of the damage as catastrophic, with much of the aircraft unrecognizable. He noted that the tail section, where the two survivors were found, was the only part of the plane that retained some of its shape.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. Officials are examining maintenance records and operational data while interviewing airline staff and other witnesses. Preliminary reports suggest that the malfunctioning landing gear played a significant role in the disaster, though further analysis is required to confirm this theory.
The crash has left South Korea and the international community in mourning as families of the victims await answers about the tragedy. Jeju Air has pledged its full cooperation with investigators to ensure a thorough and transparent inquiry.
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