Warning: This article contains graphic images, video and descriptions that some readers may find distressing.
A tragic plane crash in South Korea claimed the lives of 179 out of 181 individuals onboard, and some of the victims’ families are now speaking out.
This morning (December 29) shortly after 9:00 am local time, a Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800 passenger plane, attempted to land at Muan International Airport in Muan County, South Korea. The flight had departed from Suvarnabhumi Airport near Bangkok, Thailand around 2:00 am local time.
The plane crashed during an emergency landing attempt, resulting in the deaths of 179 out of 181 individuals onboard.
Disturbing footage from the airport captures the moment the plane tries to land on the runway, ultimately skidding and crashing into a wall before bursting into smoke and flames.
Reports suggest that the failure of the plane’s front landing gear to deploy led to the crash landing.
Joo Jong-wan, Director of the Aviation Policy Division at South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated to NBC News that the pilot had ‘declared mayday after issuing the bird strike alert’.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing, marking the most severe domestic civil aviation disaster in South Korea’s history.
As of now, recovery efforts continue, and the BBC references Yonhap news agency in noting that the runway will stay closed until New Year’s Day as teams examine the wreckage.
The crash resulted in the deaths of 179 individuals from the 181 passengers and crew onboard. The two survivors were transported to the hospital, and now, family members of some victims have shared their grief.
Maeng Gi-su’s nephew and his two sons were on the flight, returning from a vacation celebrating the youngest son’s completion of college entrance exams.
The 78-year-old expressed to the BBC: “I can’t believe the entire family has just disappeared. My heart aches so much.”
A relative of another passenger on the flight shared with the BBC that she was shocked upon hearing about the crash.
“I couldn’t believe it… when the news said one of the victims was from Udon Thani, I was even more surprised,” she remarked.
The South Korean government has declared a seven-day national mourning period.
In a statement, Boeing said: “We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew.”
Jeju Air has placed a banner on its website stating: “We deeply apologize to all those affected by the incident. We will make every effort to resolve the situation. We sincerely regret the distress caused.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and wish to speak with someone confidentially, contact The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.