South Korea is mourning the tragic loss of 179 lives following the crash of a Jeju Air flight at Muan International Airport. The flight, arriving from Bangkok, skidded off the runway and burst into flames on Sunday morning in what is now one of the nation’s worst aviation disasters. Officials have declared a seven-day national mourning period as the country grapples with the scale of the tragedy.
The Deadly Crash
The accident occurred at 9:03 AM local time when the Jeju Air flight, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, attempted to land at Muan International Airport. Located 290 kilometers southwest of Seoul, the airport became the site of devastation as the aircraft failed to execute a safe landing.
The National Fire Agency confirmed that 179 people perished in the crash, including 85 women, 84 men, and 10 individuals whose identities remain undetermined. The remaining two survivors, both crew members, were pulled from the wreckage and are receiving medical attention.
Cause of the Disaster
Preliminary investigations suggest the crash was caused by a collision with birds, which reportedly damaged the landing gear. This critical malfunction hindered the plane’s ability to land safely. The resulting fire engulfed the aircraft, making rescue operations challenging. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze, but by then, the scale of the loss was already evident.
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Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Emergency responders rushed to the scene immediately after the crash. The National Fire Agency deployed teams to recover bodies and search for potential survivors. The airport was cordoned off as recovery efforts continued throughout the day.
Authorities have also dispatched investigators to examine the wreckage and determine the sequence of events leading to the tragedy. Black box data from the plane will be critical in uncovering further details about the crash.
A Nation in Mourning
South Korea has declared a week-long national mourning period to honor the victims. Flags will fly at half-mast, and government officials have expressed their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the nation, with many grieving for the victims and their families.
Aviation Safety Concerns
The crash has reignited concerns over aviation safety in South Korea and across the region. Experts have pointed out the dangers of bird strikes and the importance of robust protocols to prevent such incidents. The government has pledged to review current safety measures and work toward preventing future tragedies.
This disaster marks a dark chapter in South Korea’s aviation history. As the nation mourns, attention is now focused on uncovering the truth behind the crash and ensuring such a tragedy never happens again.
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