Tragedy Strikes as Jeju Air Flight Crashes in South Korea, Leaving 85 Dead
A Jeju Air passenger plane crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday morning, leaving at least 85 people dead and several others injured. The Boeing 737-800, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, drove off the runway and collided with a concrete fence, according to reports from the Yonhap News Agency and the Associated Press.
Malfunctioning Landing Gear Blamed
The crash, which occurred at 9:07 a.m. local time, is believed to have been caused by a malfunction in the plane’s landing gear. The front landing gear reportedly failed to deploy during the aircraft’s descent, leading to the plane skidding off the runway before slamming into the fence.
Jeju Air, a South Korean low-cost carrier, confirmed the flight was returning from Thailand. The airline has expressed condolences to the victims and their families while pledging full cooperation with the investigation into the incident.
Widespread Damage and Firefighting Efforts
Images and videos from the scene showed thick black smoke rising from the wreckage as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames. Rescue teams, including the National Fire Agency, have been working tirelessly to retrieve passengers trapped in the debris.
Immediate Response and Investigation
Emergency services rushed to the site as news of the crash spread. South Korean authorities have launched an investigation into the accident, with experts examining potential mechanical failures and other contributing factors.
A Devastating Day for Aviation
The incident is among the deadliest in South Korea’s recent aviation history. It has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety protocols for low-cost carriers, particularly Jeju Air, which is one of South Korea’s most popular budget airlines.
Further updates are expected as rescue and recovery operations continue, and officials work to piece together the circumstances that led to the catastrophic crash.
