Tragedy struck South Korea’s Muan International Airport on Sunday morning as a Jeju Air flight from Bangkok to Muan crashed during a landing attempt, leaving 179 of the 181 people on board dead. In a devastating incident that has become one of the nation’s worst aviation disasters, two crew members emerged as the sole survivors, offering a glimmer of hope amid the sorrow.
The survivors
The survivors, identified as 32-year-old Lee and 25-year-old Kwon, were seated in the rear tail section of the Boeing 737-800—a section statistically regarded as the safest in aviation accidents. A 2015 TIME Magazine study noted that rear seats have a 32% fatality rate, lower than the middle section (39%) and the front (38%), a detail that proved significant in this tragedy.
Rescue workers found Lee and Kwon amidst the charred remains of the aircraft. Both were in shock, with Lee repeatedly asking rescuers, “What happened?” and “Why am I here?” Medical staff reported that Lee suffered a fractured left shoulder and head injuries. Despite his physical trauma, his psychological state has drawn particular concern, with experts citing the deep impact of the catastrophic event.
Kwon, who sustained a scalp laceration, a fractured ankle, and abdominal pain, is being treated at Mokpo Central Hospital. Like Lee, she has no memory of the crash but remains in stable condition, according to hospital officials. “Their survival is remarkable given the severity of the accident,” noted one medical professional.
Crash details
The Jeju Air flight, a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800, had been nearing the end of its journey from Bangkok when disaster struck at 9:03 am. Reports indicate that the aircraft attempted to land without its landing gear fully deployed, causing it to skid off the runway, collide with a concrete barrier, and ignite a devastating fire. The transport ministry suggested a malfunction in the landing gear as a probable cause, although an investigation is ongoing.
Video footage from the scene captured the aircraft’s emergency landing attempt and the resulting plume of black smoke rising into the sky. By the time firefighters extinguished the flames, only the damaged tail section of the aircraft remained visible.
The toll
Among the 179 fatalities were men, women, and children from diverse backgrounds. The oldest passenger was a 78-year-old man, while the youngest was a three-year-old child. Two Thai nationals were also confirmed among the victims, South Korea’s News1 agency reported.
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Emergency responders faced an uphill battle as they worked to recover bodies and rescue the survivors. The South Korean Fire Agency revealed that of the passengers, 85 were women, 84 were men, and 10 individuals could not be immediately identified by gender due to the fire’s intensity.
Aviation safety in focus
This catastrophic crash has reignited concerns over aviation safety standards in the region. While South Korea has an excellent overall air safety record, the age of the aircraft and reported mechanical issues have drawn scrutiny. The Boeing 737-800 involved in the crash had been in service for 15 years, and questions are being raised about the maintenance protocols and procedures for ageing fleets.
Heroic efforts
The bravery of emergency responders deserves recognition. Despite the overwhelming flames and smoke, they managed to pull Lee and Kwon from the wreckage, ensuring their survival. Officials have praised their swift action, which likely saved the crew members’ lives.
A nation in mourning
As South Korea grapples with the scale of the tragedy, families of the victims are seeking answers and closure. The transport ministry has pledged a thorough investigation into the crash, with support from Boeing and aviation safety experts. “We will ensure that such an incident never happens again,” a government official vowed.
For Lee and Kwon, survival marks the beginning of a long road to recovery—physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Their stories, while miraculous, serve as poignant reminders of the lives lost and the harrowing reality of the disaster.
