A devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea has left at least 177 people dead and shattered families waiting for answers.
The Jeju Air-operated Boeing 737-800, carrying 181 people, crashed during its final approach from Bangkok, Thailand, early Sunday morning. Among the dead are 119 South Koreans, two Thai nationals, and several children, authorities confirmed.
Two survivors were pulled from the fiery wreckage and remain hospitalized in critical condition. Footage circulating online shows the aircraft skidding off the runway, crashing into a barrier, and erupting into flames.
The crash has plunged families into grief, with many gathered at the airport, desperate for news and growing frustrated by delays in identifying the victims.
“We lost everything today. No words can bring back what we’ve lost,” said one grieving relative, fighting back tears as she waited for updates.
Possible Causes Under Investigation
The cause of the crash remains unconfirmed. However, Lee Jeong-Hyeon, Muan Fire Station Chief, suggested bird strikes and poor weather as potential factors. “We suspect either a bird strike or deteriorating weather conditions caused this disaster. A thorough forensic investigation is ongoing,” Lee stated.
Officials revealed the plane’s front landing gear appeared to fail, forcing the aircraft into an uncontrollable descent. More than 30 fire trucks and multiple helicopters battled the resulting blaze for hours.
Apologies and Condolences
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae issued a heartfelt apology. “I bow in apology to everyone who cherishes Jeju Air. My sincere condolences go out to the families who lost loved ones. We await official investigation results to understand the cause fully,” Kim said during a press briefing.
South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok has pledged a transparent investigation and support for victims’ families. “This tragedy must never happen again,” he vowed.
International Response
The crash has prompted condolences worldwide. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his sorrow, offering “deep condolences to the victims and their families” and wishing the injured a swift recovery. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also shared his sympathies on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “My heartfelt condolences go out to South Korea, Thailand, and all affected by this tragedy.”
Families Demand Faster Victim Identification
Tension remains high at Muan Airport as bereaved families voice their frustration over delays in identifying the deceased. Officials explained that underage passengers without identification complicate the process. The crash, which occurred around 9:00 a.m. local time (00:00 GMT), has left families waiting nearly 12 hours for clarity.
“This process is agonizingly slow,” said one relative. “We deserve to know who made it and who didn’t.”
As South Korea reels from one of its deadliest air disasters, investigators continue to comb through the wreckage. A preliminary report is expected within weeks, but answers for grieving families may take much longer.
