The crash of a Jeju Air flight in South Korea, resulting in 179 fatalities, is being investigated for its possible causes, including a suspected bird strike and adverse weather conditions, as the country mourns the victims.
Tragedy Strikes: Investigating the Possible Causes of South Korea's Deadliest Plane Crash
Tragedy Strikes: Investigating the Possible Causes of South Korea's Deadliest Plane Crash
A devastating plane crash in South Korea raises questions about potential factors, including a bird strike, as investigators unravel the deadly incident.
A heart-wrenching plane crash occurred in South Korea on Sunday morning, resulting in the deaths of over 170 individuals. The Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, returning from Bangkok with 181 people onboard, veered off the runway at Muan International Airport, colliding with a wall and igniting a devastating fire. So far, 179 passengers have been confirmed dead, while two crew members survived the disaster.
Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the crash, with early indicators suggesting that a bird strike and poor weather might have played a role. A fire official noted that the aircraft's tail was recognizable, but the main body of the plane was unidentifiable. Eyewitness accounts describe a loud explosion followed by a series of blasts as the aircraft made its ill-fated descent.
Flight 7C2216 was attempting to land at approximately 09:00 local time when air traffic control issued a bird strike warning, advising the pilot to delay landing. Roughly two minutes later, the pilot issued a Mayday alert before being cleared to land from the opposite side. One passenger reportedly messaged a relative saying that a bird was lodged in the wing, which hampered the plane's ability to land safely.
A video circulating shows the plane making contact with the runway without touching down on its landing gear, leading to a crash into a wall. The South Korean transport department has confirmed that the head pilot had significant experience, boasting over 6,800 flight hours and having worked in the role since 2019.
The crash marks South Korea's deadliest aviation incident, with among the fatalities being five children under the age of ten. Victim identification is ongoing, with authorities having recognized at least 88 bodies so far. In response to the tragedy, South Korea's acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has declared Muan a special disaster zone, facilitating government assistance for victims and their families.
Families of the deceased have gathered at Muan International Airport, struggling to navigate the loss of their loved ones amid tears and frustration over the lengthy identification process. Jeju Air has publicly expressed its remorse for the incident, while Boeing has extended its condolences to all affected.
Authorities continue to search for additional wreckage surrounding the airstrip, as the nation enters a period of mourning for the victims of this catastrophic event.
