Mon Dec 30 20:37:21 UTC 2024: ## Hundreds Dead in South Korea’s Deadliest Plane Crash in Decades
**SEOUL, South Korea** — A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning, resulting in the deaths of 179 of the 181 people on board. Two flight attendants survived the devastating crash and are recovering in Seoul hospitals.
The plane, Flight 7C2216, was en route from Bangkok, Thailand, and experienced a reported bird strike shortly before attempting an emergency landing. A distress signal was issued before the aircraft crashed, bursting into flames upon impact.
Authorities are working to identify the remaining 38 victims, with some bodies too badly damaged for fingerprint analysis. The youngest passenger was a 3-year-old child.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered an emergency safety inspection of South Korea’s entire air fleet, with the Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport initiating a full inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft currently in operation within the country. Jeju Air, while not suspending operations of its 737-800 fleet, has pledged to thoroughly examine its aircraft.
The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered, with the latter intact. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is assisting in the investigation alongside Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration. The final report will be issued by the Republic of Korea’s Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB).
Over 68,000 Jeju Air tickets have been canceled in the wake of the tragedy, with the airline promising full refunds. The crash marks South Korea’s deadliest aviation accident in decades.
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