A Jeju Air plane crash in South Korea has left 120 people dead, with only two survivors – both flight crew members – confirmed so far, according to South Korea’s National Fire Agency.
The tragedy occurred as the Boeing 737-8AS, carrying 181 passengers and crew, attempted to land at Muan International Airport in adverse weather conditions.
The aircraft collided with birds before landing on its belly without deploying its wheels.
Video footage shows the plane skidding off the runway, crashing into a barrier, and bursting into flames.
“Passengers were ejected from the aircraft after the collision, leaving little chance of survival,” a fire official said during a briefing.
He added that the plane was “almost destroyed,” complicating efforts to identify the victims.
Over 32 fire engines and dozens of firefighters were mobilized to the scene. Rescue teams evacuated passengers from the jet’s rear section, and the initial fire was extinguished.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities working to recover remains and identify the deceased.
“The cause of the accident is presumed to be a bird strike combined with adverse weather, but a joint investigation will confirm the exact details,” said Lee Jeong-hyun, chief of Muan Fire Station.
The Ministry of Land confirmed that the flight carried 175 passengers, including two Thai nationals and six crew members.
Jeju Air, South Korea’s largest low-cost carrier, apologized and pledged full cooperation in the investigation and support for affected families. We sincerely apologize for causing concern. “
Acting President Choi Sang-mok called for an all-out effort to save lives and support the victims’ families.
He convened an emergency meeting with cabinet members and travelled to Muan to oversee rescue operations.
“The entire government is dedicating all available resources to manage the aftermath of this tragedy and support the bereaved families,” Choi stated.
This marks the first fatal crash in Jeju Air’s history since its establishment in 2005. In 2007, the airline experienced a non-fatal runway incident involving a Bombardier Q400 at Busan-Gimhae Airport, which injured 12 passengers.
South Korea’s aviation sector has maintained a strong safety record.
In 2009, a US Airways Airbus A320 successfully landed in New York’s Hudson River after bird strikes disabled both engines, an event famously dubbed the “Miracle on the Hudson.”
Muan International Airport, located 288 kilometres west of Seoul, is now the centenary site of South Korea’s deadliest aviation disasters.
The crash has prompted nationwide condolences and scrutiny of aviation safety protocols.
Rescue operations continue as authorities investigate the factors contributing to this devastating accident.
