179 Lives Lost in Jeju Plane Crash – One America News Network
OAN Staff Abril Elfi
8:47 AM – Sunday, December 29, 2024
A passenger aircraft crashed into a concrete barrier in South Korea, resulting in the tragic loss of 179 lives.
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On Sunday, a Boeing 737-800 failed to land properly, likely due to malfunctioning landing gear, before colliding with a wall in an explosion that claimed the lives of all but two crew members aboard.
According to officials, the pilot issued a distress signal moments before the plane veered off the end of the runway and skidded into a buffer zone before hitting the wall.
Muan fire chief Lee Jung-hyun confirmed in a briefing that the two survivors were located in the aircraft’s tail section, which was the only part that retained some structural integrity.
The hospital director mentioned that one of the survivors is stable and communicative, despite sustaining multiple fractures.
Authorities have recovered both black boxes, which include crucial flight data and cockpit voice recordings.
Fire officials speculated that a bird strike may have been a contributing factor to the crash.
“The cause of this accident is estimated to be a bird strike or adverse weather conditions. A detailed investigation with relevant agencies will clarify the exact cause,” Lee stated.
Fire officials indicated that a landing gear malfunction is believed to have played a role in the accident. Footage captured the aircraft gliding on its belly before igniting in flames.
Choi Sang-mok, South Korea’s acting president, visited Muan International Airport where the incident took place and announced that the location has been designated as a special disaster zone, pledging a thorough investigation into the causes of this catastrophic event.
“We will mobilize all necessary resources for recovery efforts and support for the victims. A special disaster zone has been declared,” Choi declared.
All aboard were South Korean citizens, apart from two individuals of Thai nationality, according to officials.
Approximately 1,570 firefighters, police personnel, military members, and various rescue workers were deployed to the crash site.
Boeing issued a statement expressing condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.
“We are in communication with Jeju Air regarding Flight 2216 and are prepared to provide support,” Boeing stated in a brief message posted on its X account.
“We extend our sincerest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew,” the statement continued.
Kim Yi-bae, CEO of South Korea’s Jeju Air, indicated that the crashed aircraft had shown “no signs of trouble” prior to the incident.
“Determining the exact cause of the accident is currently challenging, and we will await the official investigation outcomes from the relevant government agency,” Kim explained.
He added that the aircraft involved in the crash had no prior accident history.
All passengers were reported to be South Korean nationals, with the exception of two Thai nationals.
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