The tragic crash of a jet in South Korea has left more than 170 passengers dead, with only two survivors. The incident occurred at Muan International Airport in the southwest, where a Jeju Air jet crashed into a wall after leaving the runway. The jet was returning from Bangkok, Thailand when it crashed, killing 179 people on board.
Authorities have suggested that the crash may have been caused by a bird strike and severe weather conditions. As investigations continue, experts are considering a combination of factors that may have led to the disaster. The plane attempted to land at around 09:00 local time, but had to abort the landing due to a bird strike warning from air traffic control. The pilot then called a Mayday and was allowed to land from the opposite direction.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by a series of explosions as the jet crashed and caught fire. Videos from the scene show the burning wreckage of the aircraft as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames. The tail of the plane was recognizable, but the rest was unrecognizable due to the intensity of the fire.
The airline’s CEO has denied any maintenance issues being the cause of the crash, and officials have confirmed that the lead pilot had extensive flight experience. The flight recorders have been recovered and will be analyzed to determine the cause of the crash.
Bird strikes are a common occurrence in aviation, with over 1,400 reported in the UK in 2022. They can cause significant damage to aircraft, as seen in the famous case of the Airbus jet that crashed into the Hudson River in 2009 after hitting a flock of geese. Pilots are trained to be vigilant, especially during times when birds are most active.
The crash claimed the lives of 175 passengers and 6 crew members, with four crew members and all passengers perishing in the tragedy. Recovery efforts have been ongoing, with emergency crews searching for plane components and victims along the runway. The youngest passenger on board was a 3-year-old child, while the oldest was 78.
Authorities have declared a special disaster zone in Muan and have canceled all flights at the airport. Families of the victims have gathered at the airport, where they are receiving support from authorities, the Red Cross, and other organizations. There has been an outpouring of grief and support for the families affected by the tragedy.
As South Korea mourns its deadliest jet disaster, the nation’s acting president has offered condolences to the victims and their families. The government has declared a seven-day period of national mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-mast. Boeing has also expressed its sympathy for the victims of the crash.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the tragedy. As more information becomes available, the public will gain a clearer understanding of what led to the devastating loss of life in this heartbreaking accident.
