Sun Dec 29 03:26:22 UTC 2024: ## South Korea Devastated by Deadliest Air Crash in Decades; 179 Dead in Jeju Air Boeing 737 Crash
**Muan, South Korea** – A catastrophic plane crash at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024, has claimed the lives of 179 people, marking South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster in decades. A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, arriving from Bangkok with 181 people on board, skidded off the runway and burst into flames after apparently failing to deploy its landing gear. Only two crew members survived.
The impact caused the aircraft to slam into a concrete barrier, resulting in a massive fire. Emergency services, including 32 fire trucks and several helicopters, responded swiftly but were hampered by the intensity of the blaze. Both black boxes – the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder – have been recovered.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok immediately ordered a nationwide emergency safety inspection of all airline operations, focusing on Boeing 737-800 aircraft, pending the conclusion of the crash investigation. The investigation is being jointly conducted by South Korean authorities, U.S. air safety officials, and Boeing representatives. Initial reports suggested a possible bird strike as a contributing factor, though this remains unconfirmed.
The tragedy has caused national mourning and widespread grief. Families of victims gathered at the airport, expressing both anguish and anger over the loss of their loved ones. Jeju Air reported a surge in flight cancellations following the accident. The incident also comes amid political turmoil in South Korea, with a leadership vacuum following recent impeachments, raising concerns about the government’s ability to effectively manage the aftermath. International leaders, including Pope Francis and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have extended their condolences. Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae issued a public apology and accepted full responsibility. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
First Piper 