‘Should I Say My Last Words?’: Emotional Text From Passenger Before South Korea Plane Crash

A devastating plane crash near Muan International Airport, South Korea, has left at least 179 people dead. The Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, carrying 181 passengers and crew members, crashed shortly after attempting to land from Bangkok.

As grief-stricken families gathered at the airport, reports emerged of one passenger sending a chilling message just minutes before the crash: "Should I say my last words?" This was after the passenger had earlier texted family members saying that a bird had struck the plane's wing, as reported by NDTV.

Photo Credit: PTI

'Should I Say My Last Words?': Catastrophic Incident

The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, crashed into a barrier upon landing, skidding off the runway and bursting into flames. Eyewitnesses reported seeing flames erupt from the plane's engines, followed by multiple explosions. One local, who was walking about 4.5 kilometres from the airport, described hearing loud bangs and seeing a flash of light before smoke and explosions filled the air.

The crash occurred shortly after 9:00 AM local time. Authorities suggest that bird strikes and harsh weather conditions could have contributed to the tragic incident, although investigations are ongoing. The plane's tail was barely recognizable, charred from the flames, and scattered debris-including personal belongings, luggage, and bloodstained items in the area.

Search and Rescue Operations

As of early afternoon, only two survivors had been found, believed to be crew members. The two individuals were rescued from the wreckage, but authorities have now switched from rescue to recovery efforts due to the severity of the impact. The search for victims continued, with some believed to have been ejected from the plane upon impact.

Among the victims was a 78-year-old man and a 3-year-old child. The crash also involved two Thai nationals, and Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed condolences to the victims' families while urging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to investigate the involvement of Thai passengers, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Eyewitness Accounts of the Tragedy

Witnesses near the airport recounted hearing a series of strange noises before the crash, including the sound of metal scraping. One individual, who saw the plane attempting to land, described it struggling to maintain altitude before ascending again. Moments later, explosions were heard, and black smoke billowed into the sky.

Videos captured the final moments of the plane's descent, showing it attempting a "belly landing" without its landing gear fully extended. This has raised questions about the sequence of events leading to the crash, including the potential malfunction or mechanical failure.

Jeju Air's Statement

Jeju Air has expressed its deep regret over the incident and issued an apology to the public. The airline's CEO, Kim E-Bae, addressed the situation, confirming that the aircraft had no previous history of accidents and that there were no early signs of malfunction. "We will cooperate fully with the authorities and prioritize supporting the bereaved families," he said.

The airline also assured the public that it would do everything possible to respond to the tragic event and assist the authorities in their investigation, as per media reports.

Ongoing Investigation

The South Korean authorities have now transitioned to the recovery phase. Investigators are focusing on the possibility of a bird strike, combined with adverse weather conditions, as contributing factors. The search for victims continues, with the impact of the crash causing scattered wreckage over a wide area.

As the community mourns, all domestic and international flights at Muan International Airport have been cancelled for the time being, while the investigation into the crash continues. This heart-wrenching tragedy marks another sombre chapter in aviation history, leaving families and the public in shock.