Seoul, December 29, 2024 – The Europe Today: A Jeju Air flight carrying 181 people crashed at Muan International Airport, South Korea, resulting in the tragic death of at least 124 individuals, emergency officials confirmed.
“So far, two rescued and 124 confirmed dead,” stated the National Fire Agency, with rescue operations still underway.
The ill-fated flight, a Boeing 737-800, was returning from Bangkok, Thailand, when it encountered a landing gear malfunction during its approach. Video footage captured the aircraft skidding down the runway without visible landing gear before crashing into a wall, triggering a fiery explosion.
Among the 175 passengers and six crew members on board, two Thai nationals were identified, according to the Transport Ministry.
Emergency services deployed 32 fire engines and numerous firefighters to manage the blaze and assist with rescue operations. This marks the first fatal accident in the history of Jeju Air, a low-cost South Korean carrier established in 2005.
Acting President Choi Sung-mok, who assumed office only recently amid the country’s political crisis, has ordered full-scale rescue efforts.
Aviation authorities, including Boeing and the US Federal Aviation Administration, have yet to comment on the incident. Further investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash.
