WorthyNews: At Least 179 Killed In South Korea Crash (Worthy News In-Depth)

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By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

MUAN (Worthy News) – Authorities say that among the 181 people aboard the Jeju Air flight from Bangkok, all but two were killed after the aircraft crashed during an emergency landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday morning local time.

The death toll would mark South Korea’s worst domestic civil aviation disaster and the first major casualty incident involving a low-cost carrier in the country’s history.

South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, arrived at Muan International Airport at 12:55 p.m. local time to oversee the response to the disaster. At the crash site, Choi said, “No words of consolation will be enough for the families who have suffered such a tragedy.” He promised full government support for bereaved families.

He arrived while rescue teams continued to search the wreckage, where more bodies remained inside the fuselage. Two survivors, one passenger and one crew member, were pulled from the tail section and received treatment at a nearby hospital, officials said.

The deadly crash occurred when the Boeing 737-800 attempted a belly landing at around 9:03 a.m. local time after its landing gear reportedly failed to deploy, witnesses said.

Witnesses reported hearing loud “bang” noises before the aircraft struck the airport’s perimeter wall, breaking into two pieces and bursting into flames. Local broadcaster MBC aired footage that appeared to show a bird strike incident as the plane was descending.

Although an investigation into the cause of the crash was ongoing, Jeju Air chief executive Kim E-bae had already issued an official apology and said he was praying for the victims. “First, we bow our heads in apology to everyone who has trusted Jeju Air. At approximately 9:03 AM on 29 December, flight 7C2216 from Bangkok to Muan caught fire while landing at Muan International Airport,” he stressed in a statement monitored by Worthy News.

DEEPEST CONDOLENCES

“Above all, we express our deepest condolences and apologies to the families of the passengers who lost their lives in this accident. At present, the cause of the accident is difficult to determine, and we must await the official investigation results from the relevant government agencies.”

Yet, “Regardless of the cause, as CEO, I feel profound responsibility for this incident. Jeju Air will do everything possible to manage this accident promptly and support the families of those aboard. We will also do our utmost to determine the cause of the accident in cooperation with the government.”

He added, “Once again, we pray for those who lost their lives in this accident and offer our deepest apologies to their bereaved families.”

As the extent of the tragedy became clear, Thailand’s prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was among the first world leaders to express her condolences to the families of the deceased and injured on the social media platform x.

Shinawatra said she asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to investigate “whether Thai passengers were on this plane and what the current situation is.”

Earlier reports indicated two passengers onboard the Jeju Air flight were Thai nationals. Ambassadors from around the world also offered messages of condolence.

Philip Goldberg, the U.S. ambassador to South Korea, said on social media: “I was heartbroken to hear about the tragedy at Muan Airport this morning. My sincerest condolences go out to the victims and their loved ones, and my thoughts are with the people of Korea during this difficult time.”

THOUGHTS, PRAYERS

German ambassador to South Korea Georg Schmidt agreed, writing: “Very best wishes for the injured and all involved in the rescue efforts. Our thoughts and prayers are with South Korea.”

British Ambassador to South Korea Colin Crooks wrote: “Deepest condolences to the families of those who perished in this morning’s dreadful air accident at Muan.”

It came as an economic setback as the South Korean government reportedly designated Muan an enterprise city for the Honam (Southwest) region, where South Korea and China have reportedly agreed to develop an industrial complex in a joint venture.

The crash was considered the first significant test for the acting president, Choi Sang-mok.

He assumed office on Friday after South Korea’s parliament voted to impeach the previous acting president, Han Duck-soo.

Han had served as interim leader following the impeachment of then-president Yoon Suk Yeol earlier this month over his controversial martial law declaration.

SHORT-LIVED DECLARATION

The short-lived declaration roiled the country, with mass protests on Saturday calling for Yoon’s removal.

South Korea’s impeachment process means Yoon has been “suspended from his duties” while a constitutional court decides whether to confirm his impeachment.

If it does, he will be permanently removed from office.

The crash in South Korea is the second major plane disaster known to the world after the Christmas Day crash involving Azerbaijan Airlines.

That tragedy killed 38 of the 67 passengers on board during an emergency landing in Kazakhstan.

Despite these accidents, experts say flying remains by far the safest form of public transportation.

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