At Least 120 Dead in Jeju Air Crash at South Korea’s Muan International Airport

At least 120 people have died after a Jeju Air flight crash-landed at Muan International Airport in South Korea. 

The tragedy unfolded when flight 7C2216, arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, veered off the runway and crashed into a wall, bursting into flames.  

The South Korean transport ministry confirmed that the plane was carrying 181 people, including 175 passengers and six crew members.

 Two survivors have been pulled from the debris so far, and rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate others. Most passengers on board were South Korean nationals.  

The incident occurred shortly after 9:00 am local time at Muan International Airport, located in the southern region of the country. Local media have speculated that birds caught in the plane’s systems may have caused the crash, but the official cause remains under investigation.  

This marks the first fatal accident in the history of Jeju Air, one of South Korea’s leading low-cost carriers. Founded in 2005, the airline had maintained a strong safety record until now.  

In a statement released shortly after the crash, Jeju Air expressed deep regret.  

“We at Jeju Air lower our head in apology to everyone who were harmed in this incident at the Muan Airport,” the statement read. “We will do all we can to respond to the incident. We are sorry for the distress.”  

Emergency response teams are working tirelessly at the scene to locate survivors amid the wreckage. The airport, which opened in 2007 and serves as a hub for several international routes across Asia, has been temporarily closed as rescue and investigation efforts continue.  

Chioma Kalu

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