South Korea is in mourning after the tragic crash of Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 in Muan County on December 29, 2024.
The deadly incident, which claimed the lives of 173 passengers and crew members, is now the nation’s worst aviation disaster in nearly three decades. Families and loved ones gathered at Muan International Airport, awaiting news of their relatives amid overwhelming grief and prayers.
Investigators Probe Cause of Jeju Air Crash
The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, en route from Bangkok to Muan, crash-landed shortly after 9 a.m. local time. According to South Korean transport officials, the pilot reported a bird strike and declared an emergency just before attempting to land.
Investigators revealed that the landing gear appeared to have failed to deploy, causing the aircraft to slide on its belly and erupt in flames. Two black boxes, containing the flight data and voice recordings, have been recovered and are being analyzed in Seoul.
Experts, including those from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing, are assisting South Korean authorities to determine whether the bird strike alone was sufficient to cause such catastrophic damage.
National Mourning and Emergency Measures
South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, declared a seven-day national mourning period and a special disaster zone in Muan County. Over 700 personnel from the police, military, and coast guard have been mobilized for recovery and response efforts.
Authorities have ordered inspections for all Boeing 737-800 planes in South Korea, focusing on maintenance records, engines, and landing gear to ensure passenger safety. This measure will affect over 100 aircraft operated by six airlines in the country.
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Families Grieve and Demand Answers
The victims of the crash include 173 passengers, most of whom were South Korean nationals, along with two Thai nationals. The sole survivors are two crew members. Families of the deceased expressed frustration at delays in identifying victims, with 33 bodies still awaiting confirmation.
At Muan International Airport, yellow tents have been set up to provide shelter for grieving families. Many relatives are calling for transparency in the investigation to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Moving Forward: Safety and Accountability
This tragic incident has raised urgent questions about aviation safety standards in South Korea. The transport ministry has promised to share updates on the investigation and enforce stricter regulations for all domestic airlines.
