A Jeju Air flight returning from Bangkok tragically crashed at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, South Korea, on Sunday, leaving 179 of the 181 people on board dead. Two crew members survived and are being treated for severe injuries.

The crash, one of the deadliest in South Korea's aviation history, prompted the government to declare a seven-day period of national mourning until January 4. Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who assumed office just days before the disaster, extended his condolences to the victims' families during an emergency meeting.

Investigation Underway

Initial reports suggest the crash was caused by a bird strike that severely damaged the engines just minutes before the plane’s first landing attempt. Aviation journalist Andreas Spaeth noted that flight data indicated the pilots attempted a "desperate maneuver" to recover the aircraft but were unsuccessful.

The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is assisting South Korea’s Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) in the investigation. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are also involved in the probe.

The plane, a Boeing 737-800, reportedly had no prior history of mechanical issues, according to Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae, who publicly apologized and pledged support for the victims' families.

Casualty Reports and Global Condolences

South Korean authorities confirmed that 179 people, many returning from Christmas holidays, perished in the crash. The fire department stated that passengers were ejected from the plane upon impact, leaving "little chance of survival."

World leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, expressed their condolences. Scholz called the crash "horrible," while Shinawatra directed Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist in determining if Thai nationals were among the victims.

National Mourning and Support

Memorial altars will be set up at the crash site and across the country to honor the victims. Muan has been designated as a special disaster zone, making it eligible for state support.

This marks the first fatal incident in Jeju Air's history. Founded in 2005, the airline operates a fleet of Boeing 737s and is South Korea’s largest low-cost carrier.

The tragedy has cast a shadow over the nation, sparking a broader conversation about aviation safety and emergency preparedness at South Korea's airports.