Jeju Air Crash in South Korea: 179 Lives Confirmed Lost, 2 Survivors Confirmed

On the morning of 29 Dec 2024, a devastating incident unfolded at Muan International Airport in South Korea, as a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 skidded off the runway, crashed into a concrete wall, and caught fire. The plane was carrying 181 people on board. Unfortunately, authorities have reported that 179 individuals on the flight is confirmed to have died. The Jeju Air crash marks one of South Korea’s worst aviation disasters in recent history.

The flight, which had taken off from Bangkok, was attempting to land at Muan after a routine journey. Eyewitnesses captured footage showing the aircraft veering off the runway, skidding across the tarmac, and smashing into a wall at high speed before it erupted into flames.

What Caused the Crash?

Early reports suggest that a bird strike combined with adverse weather conditions caused the crash. A bird strike can cause serious damage to an aircraft, particularly to the engines or landing gear. Investigators believe that this may have caused the landing gear to fail. Muan‘s fire chief, Lee Jeong-hyun, spoke to the media, stating that these were the most likely causes, but an official investigation will confirm the exact details.

However, several experts have raised doubts about the initial claims that a bird strike played a role in the tragic crash. They argued that bird strikes rarely lead to landing gear failure, as suggested in this case.

Additionally, they questioned why fire crews did not prepare the runway for a belly landing, why the aircraft failed to decelerate after touchdown, and why a wall was located at the end of the runway.

The Aftermath of the Crash

The scene was chaotic, with airport authorities scrambling to rescue any survivors. Fortunately, rescue teams found two crew members alive in the tail section of the plane. They found that the survivors had sustained serious injuries but would survive. Fire and rescue teams brought the fire under control within 45 minutes of the first emergency call.

As for the passengers, the majority were South Korean nationals, with two Thai nationals also on board. The local authorities are working closely with hospitals in nearby Gwangju to manage the incoming casualties, and the pain of the loss is still fresh for the families and loved ones of those affected.

Jeju Air’s Response

In the wake of this tragedy, Jeju Air has responded with profound sorrow. The airline took immediate steps to address the crisis. The company also issued an apology to those affected. They have assured the public that their main priority is to manage the aftermath of this incident with the utmost care and respect.

This is Jeju Air’s first fatal incident since it was founded in 2005. Although the investigation is still in its early stages, the airline has pledged to cooperate fully with authorities as they work to determine the full cause of the crash.

An Emergency Two Days Prior

The crashed Boeing 737-800 had encountered an emergency just two days before the accident. On 27 Dec 2024, while operating flight 7C8135 from Jeju to Beijing, the aircraft diverted to Seoul after entering Chinese airspace above Qingdao. The diversion required the plane to fly back over the Yellow Sea before landing safely at Incheon.

The aircraft resumed its journey to Beijing later that day, arriving three hours behind schedule. From late on 27 Dec until the morning of 29 Dec, the aircraft operated nine additional flights, primarily international routes, before its final ill-fated journey from Bangkok to Muan.

National Mourning Declared

South Korea’s Acting President Choi Sang-mok has declared a seven-day national mourning period until 4 January 2025, following an emergency meeting. This decision underscores the profound impact of the disaster on the nation.

The Road to Recovery

As authorities and experts continue to investigate the Jeju Air crash, the world awaits answers. For now, the families of those who perished in this horrific crash remain in our thoughts. 

Acting president Choi Sang-mok has already mobilised all available resources to assist in the recovery efforts, and we can only hope that those affected by this heartbreaking event can begin the long process of healing.

For now, all we can do is wait for more details to emerge. We send our deepest condolences to those grieving this devastating loss.