Mon Dec 30 13:55:59 UTC 2024: ## Deadly Plane Crash in South Korea Claims 179 Lives

**Muan, South Korea** – A devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning has resulted in the death of 179 people, making it the deadliest air disaster in South Korean history. A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, flight 7C2216, returning from Bangkok, Thailand, crashed while attempting to land, bursting into flames upon impact. Only two crew members survived.

The plane, carrying 181 people (175 passengers and six crew members), was cleared to land at approximately 8:54 AM local time. Three minutes prior, air traffic control issued a bird activity warning. At 8:59 AM, the pilot reported a bird strike, declaring a mayday and initiating a go-around. A subsequent attempt to land from the opposite direction ended with the plane skidding off the runway and catching fire.

Video footage shows the plane appearing to touch down without deploying its landing gear. Witnesses reported a loud bang followed by explosions. While initial reports suggested a bird strike and bad weather as potential contributing factors, aviation experts express skepticism that a bird strike alone could cause such a catastrophic crash. Investigations are underway, with the flight and voice recorders recovered, although the flight recorder sustained damage. Authorities are analyzing these black boxes, a process that could take up to a month. Saliva and fingerprint analysis are being used to identify the victims, with 141 bodies identified so far. The youngest victim was a three-year-old boy, and the oldest was 78.

Jeju Air, Korea’s largest budget airline, stated that the crash was not due to maintenance issues. The airline’s CEO offered an apology to the families of the victims. The South Korean transport department confirmed the pilot had over 6,800 flight hours of experience. Acting President Choi Sang-mok ordered an emergency safety inspection of all airline operations. Muan International Airport remains closed, and a seven-day national mourning period has been declared. Boeing is cooperating with the investigation. The incident has shaken the nation, with many expressing disbelief and grief. The investigation continues to determine the precise cause of the tragedy.

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