South Korea Plane Crash: Bird Strike Warning Issued Minutes Before Accident, 179 Dead
All passengers and four crew killed in Jeju Air flight crash, officials confirm
In a tragic turn of events, a devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province has left 179 people dead, as reported by the Yonhap news agency. The crash involved a plane carrying 181 individuals, with only two survivors among the crew members who sustained “mid to severe” injuries. The incident marks the deadliest air crash in South Korea’s history, surpassing the 1993 Asiana Airlines crash in Mokpo.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz have expressed their condolences, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and extending sympathy to the affected families. South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has declared a national mourning period until 4 January as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragic accident.
What we know so far…
As details continue to emerge, here’s a summary of the key points surrounding the crash:
– 177 people perished in the crash, with 84 women, 82 men, and 11 individuals whose gender remains unidentified.
– The plane, a Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air, was en route from Bangkok and faced difficulties during landing at Muan airport.
– The youngest passenger was a three-year-old boy, while the oldest was a 78-year-old individual.
– A local fire official has indicated that a bird strike and weather conditions may have contributed to the crash, although a definitive cause is yet to be determined.
– The flight data and cockpit voice recorders, crucial for investigations, have been retrieved from the wreckage.
The aftermath of the crash has prompted an outpouring of support and solidarity from global leaders, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressing condolences and standing in solidarity with the Korean people during this period of mourning.
Airport staff have disclosed observations of an unusually large flock of birds near the runway before the crash, raising concerns about the efficacy of bird control measures at Muan International Airport. The incident highlights the importance of stringent safety protocols and vigilance in aviation operations to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future.
The recovery efforts and investigations are ongoing, with over 1,500 personnel engaged in search and rescue operations. As the nation grieves the loss of lives in this catastrophic event, the focus remains on uncovering the causes behind the crash and ensuring the safety of air travel for all passengers and crew members.
