On December 29, 2024, a devastating aviation accident unfolded at Muan International Airport in South Korea. Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800 en route from Bangkok, Thailand, tragically crashed during its landing attempt. The accident resulted in the loss of 179 lives, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korean history.
The ill-fated flight carried 181 individuals, comprising 175 passengers and six crew members. Tragically, only two crew members survived the crash, albeit with severe injuries. Initial investigations revealed that the aircraft encountered multiple technical failures, including a hydraulic malfunction and a bird strike, leading to the loss of power in one of its engines.
As the plane attempted to land, it skidded off the runway and collided with a concrete wall. The collision ignited a massive fire, further exacerbating the catastrophic outcome.
The victims spanned across all age groups, from a three-year-old child to a 78-year-old senior. Heartbreaking stories have emerged, including the loss of three generations of a single family and the deaths of two Thai nationals. Families across the globe are mourning the irreplaceable loss of their loved ones.
National and International Reactions
South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has declared a seven-day national mourning period to honor the victims. Leaders worldwide, including the Pope, Japan’s prime minister, and the British monarchy, have extended their heartfelt condolences.
Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft, expressed deep sympathy for the victims and pledged full cooperation in the investigation. The company is focusing on understanding the roles of the hydraulic failure, the bird strike, and possible landing gear issues in causing the crash.
Rescue Efforts and Ongoing Investigations
Emergency services swiftly responded to the accident, but the scale of destruction made rescue efforts challenging. Both black boxes from the aircraft have been recovered, and authorities are meticulously analyzing the data to uncover the root causes of the disaster.
Muan International Airport remains closed for operations until January 1, 2025, as investigations and recovery efforts continue.
With Agency Inputs
