Tragic Plane Crash in South Korea: Jeju Air Disaster Claims 174 Lives (video)
A Jeju Air plane crashed while landing at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024, killing 174 people. Only two crew members survived. Factors such as bird strikes and weather conditions are suspected causes. This is South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster, leading to national mourning and scrutiny of aviation safety protocols.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
In a devastating incident that has shaken South Korea, a Jeju Air plane crashed while landing at Muan International Airport, resulting in the loss of 174 lives. The accident occurred on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at approximately 09:03 AM local time, when the aircraft veered off the runway, collided with a barrier, and burst into flames.
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Accident Details
The Boeing 737-8AS aircraft was returning from Bangkok to South Korea with 181 people on board, including 175 passengers and six crew members. Tragically, only two survivors, both crew members, were confirmed and transported to Seoul for medical treatment. The majority of passengers were South Korean nationals, with a few Thai citizens among them.
Potential Causes
Lee Jeong-hyeon, the head of the Muan fire department, stated that the likely cause of the accident was a combination of:
- Bird strike
- Adverse weather conditions
However, a comprehensive investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the catastrophe.
Rescue Efforts and Response
- Fire and rescue teams were heavily deployed at the crash site.
- First responders faced difficulties in identifying victims due to the extensive damage to the aircraft.
- Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mook declared a seven-day national mourning period until January 4.
Accident Impact
This incident marks the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korean history and is the first fatal accident for Jeju Air since its establishment in 2005. The crash is expected to have significant repercussions on the South Korean aviation industry and may lead to a comprehensive review of safety procedures.
Eyewitness Accounts
Video footage broadcast by local MBC channel showed the plane descending with smoke billowing from its engines before it struck the barrier at the end of the runway and was engulfed in flames. Korean television channels aired images of numerous emergency vehicles and dozens of firefighters working around the completely burned wreckage of the aircraft, with only the tail section remaining intact.
Aftermath and Investigation
As authorities continue to investigate the crash, the focus will be on determining the exact sequence of events that led to this tragedy. The aviation community worldwide will be closely watching the outcomes of this investigation, as it may have implications for global air safety protocols.
