South Korean authorities have reported that the Jeju Airlines flight 7C2216, en route from Bangkok, Thailand, with 181 people on board, crashed at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province on December 29, 2024. The plane skidded off the runway before colliding with a concrete wall and exploding. As of now, only two survivors have been rescued from the wreckage, while the remaining passengers are presumed to have perished.
The crash occurred at 9:07 AM local time. Video footage revealed that the landing gear malfunctioned, causing the plane to slide uncontrollably on the runway before the impact. Initial investigations suggest that the malfunction may have been caused by a bird strike, but authorities are still examining the wreckage to determine the exact cause.
The confirmed death toll has risen to 96, and rescue operations have shifted to a recovery mission to retrieve the bodies of the victims. Acting President and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok visited the crash site at noon, expressing condolences to the victims' families and pledging full government support for their needs.
This tragic accident marks a devastating end to the year for South Korea, as investigators work tirelessly to uncover the reasons behind the disaster and provide answers to the grieving families.