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A Boeing 737-8AS of the South Korean low-cost airline Jeju Air crashed at Muan airport in southwestern South Korea on Saturday evening.
The aircraft was carrying 181 people, including 175 passengers and 6 crew members, from Bangkok, Thailand. According to a provisional report, at least 85 people lost their lives.
The circumstances of the crash
The tragedy occurred during the landing phase. South Korean authorities said the accident could have been caused by a collision with birds, which caused the landing gear to malfunction. Unfavorable weather conditions are also believed to have contributed to the accident.
“The cause of the accident is presumed to be a collision with birds combined with adverse weather conditions. However, the exact cause will be announced after a joint investigation,” Lee Jeong-hyun, head of the Muan Fire Station, said at a press briefing.
The aircraft involved, a Boeing 737-8AS, had been in service since August 2009. Jeju Air, founded in 2005, is one of South Korea's main low-cost airlines. This accident constitutes the first fatal tragedy in its history.
Rescue operations underway
Firefighters reported that two people, a passenger and a crew member, were rescued alive. Images broadcast show emergency vehicles and dozens of firefighters working around the completely charred carcass of the aircraft.
Acting President Choi Sung-mok, in office since Friday, called for maximum mobilization of resources to help victims and support rescue operations.
Rare accidents in South Korea
Plane accidents remain rare in South Korea. In 2007, a Jeju Air aircraft left the runway when landing in Busan-Gimhae, causing only minor injuries. More recently, in 2022, an Asiana Airlines passenger opened an emergency exit in mid-flight without causing serious casualties.
This accident highlights air safety issues in the country, particularly for rapidly expanding low-cost airlines. A thorough investigation must determine responsibilities and prevent such tragedies in the future.
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