Bird Strike Suspected in Fatal South Korean Plane Crash

Tragic Crash in South Korea
A devastating crash occurred in Bangkok, when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 jet, which had been traveling from Muan, South Korea, crashed while attempting to land. The incident, which has killed 179 people, is believed to have been caused by either a bird strike or deteriorating weather conditions. According to local authorities, a bird strike warning was issued shortly before the plane’s landing attempt, and the pilot declared a ‘mayday’ just one minute after receiving the warning. The aircraft subsequently skidded off the runway, collided with a concrete fence, and caught fire. The exact cause will be determined after a full investigation.

Casualties and Rescue Operations
The crash resulted in a staggering loss of life, with 179 people onboard, including 85 women, 84 men, and 10 unidentified passengers. Among the deceased, two Thai nationals were also confirmed dead. Of the 177 bodies recovered, 88 have been identified. The crash left only two survivors, both of whom were crew members and are in stable condition. The local fire department, alongside 1,570 rescue personnel, responded quickly to the scene. The plane was nearly completely destroyed, with only the tail assembly remaining recognizable amid the wreckage.

Investigation and Questions Raised
Initial investigations suggest that the bird strike may have compromised the plane’s ability to land safely. However, experts have raised questions about the presence of landing gear in the crash footage and the lack of emergency services on the runway, which are typically deployed when a belly landing is expected. Further inquiries into the incident are ongoing, including analyzing communication records and flight data. The Transport Ministry also confirmed that the pilot had received permission to land in a different area before declaring an emergency.

Jeju Air’s Response
Jeju Air, the airline operating the flight, has issued a public apology, acknowledging the severity of the incident. President Kim E-bae stated that the airline had completed routine maintenance checks on the aircraft prior to the crash and vowed to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation. Despite these reassurances, Jeju Air faces intense scrutiny over the incident, which marks one of South Korea’s deadliest aviation disasters.

National Mourning and Government Response
In response to the tragedy, the South Korean government declared a national mourning period and designated Muan as a special disaster zone. Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok has visited the site to ensure that all necessary resources are mobilized to support recovery efforts and provide assistance to the victims’ families. South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed his condolences and pledged to support the investigation and relief efforts.