Jetliner Skids Off Runway in South Korea, Resulting in 179 Fatalities During Landing

A jetliner operated by Jeju Air crashed in South Korea, killing 179 of the 181 people on board. The accident occurred as the plane attempted to land in Muan, about 290 kilometres south of Seoul. The aircraft skidded off the runway, hit a concrete fence, and burst into flames. Emergency workers rescued two crew members who survived with non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigation and Recovery Efforts

Authorities are investigating the crash's cause, including potential bird strikes. The control tower had warned the crew about birds and suggested an alternative landing area. The crew sent a distress signal before the crash. Investigators have retrieved the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, but it may take months to complete the probe.

The runway at Muan airport will remain closed until January 1. Senior Transport Ministry official Joo Jong-wan confirmed these details. Kyle Bailey, a former FAA safety team representative, suggested that excessive speed might have contributed to the crash. He believed the plane struck a structure housing landing equipment.

Survivors and Victims

One survivor is receiving treatment for fractures at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital. The other survivor's condition remains undisclosed. Most passengers were South Korean, with two from Thailand. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed condolences and instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist affected families.

Boonchuay Duangmanee, father of a Thai passenger, shared his grief over losing his daughter Jongluk, who worked in South Korea. Jeju Air expressed deep apologies and pledged to manage the aftermath responsibly. Company president Kim E-bae apologised to bereaved families during a news conference.

International Reactions and Support

Boeing stated it is in contact with Jeju Air and ready to assist in dealing with the crash aftermath. Pope Francis offered prayers for survivors and victims during a gathering in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square. South Korea declared Muan a special disaster zone and announced a national mourning period.

Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok visited Muan to oversee recovery efforts and urged swift identification of victims. President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office held an emergency meeting to discuss the crash details. Yoon conveyed condolences via Facebook.

Historical Context of Aviation Disasters

This incident ranks among South Korea's deadliest aviation disasters since a 1997 Korean Airline crash in Guam that killed 228 people. In 2013, an Asiana Airlines crash in San Francisco resulted in three deaths and numerous injuries. Sunday's accident is also one of the worst landing mishaps since a 2007 Airbus A320 crash in Brazil.

In 2010, an Air India Express plane overshot a runway in Mangalore, India, killing 158 people after plunging into a gorge and catching fire. These incidents highlight ongoing challenges in aviation safety worldwide as authorities continue investigations into such tragedies.