Heartbreaking scenes unfolded at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday after a passenger plane caught fire and skidded off the runway. Families gathered at the airport, anxiously waiting for news about their loved ones, only to hear the devastating update that survival chances were very slim. The Jeju Air flight was carrying 181 people when it crashed into a concrete structure near the airport, and sadly, most passengers are now presumed dead.
More than 100 concerned relatives filled a conference room at the airport, hoping to find their family members. Lee Jeong-hyeon, the head of the Muan Fire Department, arrived with the sad news that most people on board were likely lost. As the announcement sunk in, cries of grief echoed in the room. One family member asked, “Is there any chance anyone survived?” The chief lowered his head and sadly replied, “It’s unfortunate, but that’s what we’re seeing.”
The crash happened due to the airplane’s landing gear not deploying properly. The plane, which was returning from Bangkok, was 15 years old. Lee Jeong-hyeon commented that the plane was completely destroyed, with only the tail section remaining recognizable in the wreckage.
Around 1,560 firefighters, police officers, and soldiers were dispatched to help at the crash site. Authorities reported that just before landing, the airport control tower warned the plane about a possible bird strike. The pilot received permission to land elsewhere, but sent a distress signal shortly before losing control and hitting a wall.
Jeju Air expressed deep condolences for the crash and promised to do everything possible to help those affected.
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