Mon Dec 30 01:53:09 UTC 2024: ## Jeju Air Plane Crash Kills 179 in South Korea
**Muan, South Korea** – A Jeju Air flight from Bangkok, Thailand crashed at Muan International Airport on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of 179 passengers and crew. Only two flight attendants survived the devastating accident. The Boeing aircraft, carrying 181 people, including 175 passengers and six crew members, burst into flames after veering off the runway and colliding with a barrier.
Initial reports suggest a bird strike and adverse weather conditions may have contributed to the crash. The impact was so severe that passengers were ejected from the aircraft, leaving the plane almost completely destroyed, according to fire officials. The recovery and identification of the victims is proving a lengthy and difficult process.
The plane, Flight 2216, experienced a rapid series of events in the minutes leading up to the crash. A bird strike was reported to air traffic control approximately three minutes before the attempted landing, followed by a Mayday call just two minutes before impact.
While authorities have dismissed runway length as a contributing factor, video footage shows the plane veering off the tarmac before the collision. The runway is 2,800 meters long, and officials state that similar aircraft operate there without incident.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok convened an emergency meeting to coordinate rescue efforts and support for the bereaved families. Jeju Air, South Korea’s largest low-cost carrier, issued a public apology and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. Boeing also released a statement offering its support.
A joint investigation will determine the exact cause of the crash, the deadliest in Jeju Air’s history. The incident highlights the potential dangers of bird strikes, which can cause engine failure. While this tragic incident is the first fatal crash for the airline, it serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in air travel.
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