179 dead in South Korea plane crash; officials suggest bird strike to blame for the incident
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Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae (left) and other executives offer an apology to the families of passengers at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea, on December 29, 2024.
A devastating aviation disaster occurred on Sunday at an airport in the southwest of South Korea, resulting in 179 confirmed deaths, making it one of the country’s deadliest air accidents. The incident took place when a plane operated by Jeju Air, South Korea’s leading budget airline, crashed while attempting to land. The aircraft, carrying 181 passengers and crew, reportedly failed to deploy its landing gear during the descent.
Footage from the scene shows the plane touching down without using its wheels or landing gear. As it skidded across the runway, it ultimately crashed into a barrier, causing the aircraft to burst into flames. Emergency responders rushed to the site, with over 30 fire trucks and several helicopters working to contain the blaze and rescue survivors.
Initial reports suggest that the plane’s pilot issued a mayday call shortly before the crash, raising concerns about the aircraft’s safety. The control tower had warned the pilot about nearby birds, which could have contributed to the incident. Authorities are investigating the causes of the disaster, with fire officials speculating that a bird strike might have caused the plane’s landing gear to fail. Additionally, bad weather conditions are being considered as a possible factor in the crash.
While details of the exact cause remain under investigation, the tragic event has cast a shadow over the aviation community and raised questions about safety measures. The crash occurred shortly after the pilot’s distress signal, suggesting that the crew was aware of potential problems during the flight.
This incident marks a devastating chapter for Jeju Air and the South Korean aviation industry, as the country grapples with the aftermath of what is being hailed as one of its most significant aviation disasters. Authorities continue to work tirelessly to investigate the exact causes of the crash and provide answers to the victims’ families.
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