Tragedy Strikes as Jeju Airlines Plane Crashes at Muan International Airport
On Saturday morning, a Jeju Airlines plane tragically crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport in the southwestern region of South Korea. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, was carrying 181 passengers. Reports indicate that at least 94 people have died, with only two survivors, as rescue operations continue for the dozens still trapped inside the wreckage. Unfortunately, the chances of finding additional survivors appear grim.
The flight had departed from Bangkok and landed in Muan around 9 AM local time (1 AM in Italy). Eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage reveal that the plane veered off the runway, collided with a wall, and subsequently caught fire. According to the Korea Times, the aircraft had previously attempted to land unsuccessfully prior to the crash. While the exact causes of the accident remain unclear, investigators are looking into the possibility of a bird strike as a contributing factor.
Among those on board, most were Korean nationals, with only two passengers being Thai. The two fortunate survivors are women: a passenger and a flight attendant. Firefighters battled the flames for approximately forty minutes before they were finally extinguished, as they worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped inside the fuselage.
Jeju Air, one of South Korea's largest low-cost airlines, was founded in 2005. Following the disaster, CEO Kim Ebae issued a heartfelt message of apology and condolences to the families of the victims. He stated, 'Regardless of the causes, as CEO, I take full responsibility for this tragedy.' Meanwhile, the newly appointed interim president, Choi Sangmok, who assumed office just a day before the incident after his predecessor was impeached, visited the crash site to express the government's commitment to assisting the victims' families.
In light of the catastrophe, all flights at Muan Airport have been suspended, as authorities continue to assess the situation and provide assistance. This incident has left the nation in grief, highlighting the need for thorough investigations into air travel safety measures. As the rescue efforts proceed, the hope remains for closure and support for the affected families during this challenging time.
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