South Korea Aviation Tragedy: Jeju Air Flight 2216 Crash Claims 167 Lives
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!On December 29, 2024, a devastating aviation disaster unfolded as Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport in South Korea. The flight, which originated in Bangkok, Thailand, was carrying 181 people, including 175 passengers and six crew members. Tragically, the crash claimed the lives of 167 individuals, leaving only two survivors.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident occurred due to a malfunction in the plane’s front landing gear, which failed to deploy properly during the approach. The aircraft was forced into a belly landing, skidding off the runway and colliding with a concrete barrier. The impact caused a severe fire that engulfed the plane. Emergency responders acted swiftly, rescuing two crew members from the wreckage. Both survivors were reported to be conscious and receiving medical treatment.
Authorities are now working to identify the underlying causes of the landing gear failure. Initial suspicions include the possibility of a bird strike, as air traffic control had issued a warning about bird activity in the area before the aircraft’s descent. Investigators have recovered the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, which are expected to provide crucial insights into the events leading up to the crash.
This tragedy is among the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korean history and represents the first fatal incident for Jeju Air since its inception. The airline’s CEO has expressed profound regret, issuing a public apology and committing to supporting the families of the victims.
In response to the incident, South Korea’s acting President, Choi Sang-mok, has designated the Muan region as a special disaster zone. The government is coordinating efforts to assist the affected families, manage recovery operations, and address the disaster’s aftermath.
International condolences have poured in, with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra extending sympathies and offering support. Rescue and recovery operations remain ongoing as authorities work to bring closure to the victims’ families and uncover the precise cause of this catastrophic accident.