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A catastrophic plane crash in South Korea has claimed 179 lives, leaving only two survivors. The tragedy unfolded on Sunday morning when Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800, attempted to land at Muan International Airport after a journey from Bangkok, Thailand. Initial reports suggest a bird strike may have caused the landing gear to malfunction, resulting in the aircraft skidding off the runway and erupting into flames.
Eyewitnesses described the horror as the plane slid uncontrollably across the tarmac before exploding into a massive fireball. "It was a terrifying scene—sparks, smoke, and then the fire," a local bystander recounted. Video footage captured the aircraft's failed belly landing and the ensuing blaze. Emergency responders acted swiftly, extinguishing the flames within 43 minutes, but the damage was devastating.
Onboard were 175 passengers and six crew members, including two Thai nationals among the predominantly South Korean passengers. The two survivors, both crew members, were found in the smoldering wreckage and are being treated for severe injuries. "Their survival is nothing short of miraculous," said Joo Jong-wan, a senior official from South Korea's Transport Ministry.
A preliminary investigation suggests the crash may have been triggered by a bird strike, a common yet hazardous aviation incident. The control tower had issued a warning about bird activity moments before the crash, and a passenger reportedly sent a text stating, "A bird struck the wing." Authorities have retrieved the aircraft's black box and are analyzing its data to confirm the cause.
This disaster ranks among the deadliest in South Korean aviation history, recalling past tragedies such as the 1997 Korean Airlines crash in Guam, which killed 228 people. Sunday's incident has renewed calls for enhanced safety measures at airports, particularly those vulnerable to bird strikes.
Jeju Air released a public statement expressing its profound regret. "We deeply apologize to the families affected and are committed to fully cooperating with investigations," the airline stated. South Korean President Choi Sang-mok has ordered an emergency response team and pledged comprehensive support for the victims' families.
As investigations continue, global attention has turned to the safety protocols surrounding bird strikes. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, these incidents cause significant risks, as seen in the 2009 "Miracle on the Hudson," where a plane safely ditched after a bird strike.
