A devastating aviation disaster struck early Sunday morning in Muan, South Korea, when a Jeju Air passenger plane caught fire on the ground, resulting in the loss of at least 167 lives. The Boeing 737-800, which was carrying 181 individuals, was returning from a flight from Bangkok, Thailand, when it encountered catastrophic failure upon landing.
Witnesses reported that the aircraft skidded off the runway and crashed into a concrete fence after its front landing gear failed to deploy. The fire erupted shortly after the incident, engulfing the plane in flames and producing thick black smoke that was visible from miles away.
Emergency response teams quickly arrived at the scene, but the wreckage presented significant challenges for rescue workers. Lee Jeong-hyeon, the chief of the Muan fire station, stated that the plane was entirely destroyed, with only parts of the tail assembly remaining recognizable.
Eyewitness accounts painted a vivid picture of the moments leading up to the tragedy. Residents near the airport described hearing loud explosions and seeing sparks emanating from the plane’s right wing just before it crashed. One witness, Yoo Jae-yong, recalled seeing the aircraft descending and initially thought it was preparing to land when he noticed a flash of light.
As the rescue operation continues, officials have confirmed the identities of some victims, including two Thai nationals on board. The Transport Ministry of South Korea is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and to assess any potential factors that contributed to the landing failure.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the nation, highlighting concerns over aviation safety and emergency preparedness. South Korean authorities are urging the public to remain calm as they work diligently to manage the situation and provide support to the victims’ families.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with air travel, and the aviation community will be closely monitoring the investigations to prevent such incidents in the future.