Tragic South Korea Plane Crash Claims 122 Lives
Tragic Plane Crash in South Korea: At Least 122 Dead
A passenger plane carrying 175 passengers and six crew members crashed during landing in South Korea, leaving at least 122 people dead. The aircraft veered off the runway and collided with the airport’s surrounding wall. So far, two individuals have been rescued, while search and rescue operations are ongoing.
Details of the Tragedy
According to South Korean news agency Yonhap, the plane operated by Jeju Air was en route to Musan International Airport in Muan City, approximately 288 kilometers southwest of Seoul, the nation’s capital.
During the landing, the plane lost control, skidded off the runway, and crashed into a perimeter wall, causing it to explode. Initial reports confirm that 122 people have died in the crash.
Authorities have stated that the accident was caused by a malfunction in the plane’s landing gear. After the landing gear failed to deploy on the first attempt, the aircraft attempted a forced landing, leading to the tragedy.
Graphic Footage Captured
National television broadcasts showed the aircraft attempting to land on its fuselage before failing to slow down and crashing into the wall at the end of the runway.
„The Plane Was Almost Completely Destroyed“
Firefighters extinguished the flames that consumed most of the aircraft. Two survivors—a passenger and a cabin crew member—have been rescued, while the remaining 122 people onboard are presumed dead.
A firefighter official noted that the impact left little chance of survival, stating, “The plane was almost completely destroyed, making it difficult to identify the deceased. Analyzing the wreckage will take time.”
The aircraft, operating a Bangkok-Muan route, carried 122 passengers and six crew members. Among them, two passengers were identified as Thai nationals, while the rest were South Korean citizens.
Government Response
Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, currently acting as interim Prime Minister and State Minister due to ongoing impeachment processes, visited the crash site. He urged rescue teams to spare no effort in their operations and extended condolences to the families of the victims, pledging full government support.
An emergency meeting was held at the Presidential Office, led by General Secretary Chung Jin-suk, with relevant department officials in attendance.
Acting National Police Chief Lee Ho-young directed all police units to collaborate with firefighters and other emergency teams to utilize all available resources.
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae issued a public apology, expressing condolences to the families of the victims. He assured full support and assistance for the bereaved families during this difficult time.