SEOUL. At least 62 people lost their lives when a Jeju Air flight veered off the runway and burst into flames at South Korea’s Muan International Airport on Sunday morning, according to the National Fire Agency. The tragic incident occurred as the Boeing 737-800 jet attempted to land, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members on a flight from Bangkok, Thailand.
Two Survivors Rescued
Officials confirmed that two crew members were rescued from the wreckage. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities focusing on the tail section of the aircraft, where more passengers could potentially be trapped. “We are doing our best to locate and rescue any survivors,” a Muan fire official stated. Local media outlet Yonhap reported that three individuals had been pulled from the debris alive.
Details of the Crash
During the plane’s landing attempt, the crash occurred at approximately 9 a.m. local time (0000 GMT). Video footage shared by South Korean media showed the twin-engine aircraft skidding down the runway without apparent landing gear before colliding with a wall, resulting in a massive explosion of flames and debris. Photos from the scene showed smoke and fire engulfing large sections of the plane.
Authorities reported that 58 bodies had been recovered as of Sunday afternoon, but officials emphasized that the casualty numbers could rise as the rescue efforts continue. Most passengers onboard were South Korean nationals, along with two Thai nationals, according to the South Korean Ministry of Transportation.
Flight Suspensions and Investigation
Yonhap news agency reported that all domestic and international flights at Muan International Airport have been suspended indefinitely in the wake of the incident. Jeju Air confirmed the aircraft’s model as a Boeing 737-800 and stated it is cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the crash.
Boeing and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration have not yet commented on the incident. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and officials are working to determine why the aircraft’s landing gear failed.
Government Response
South Korean acting President Choi Sang-mok, who assumed leadership only days earlier following the impeachment of his predecessor, has ordered an “all-out rescue effort” and directed emergency responders to prioritize saving lives. His chief of staff convened an emergency meeting to coordinate the government’s response to the disaster.
“We are mobilizing all available resources to rescue the victims and support the families affected by this tragedy,” Choi’s office said in a statement.
Global Attention
This tragedy has drawn international attention as South Korea mourns the devastating loss of lives. The crash marks one of the deadliest aviation accidents in the country’s history, and it has raised concerns about flight safety and emergency preparedness.
Further updates will be provided as more details emerge about the ongoing rescue operations and the investigation into the cause of the crash.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
