Fire authorities report that of the 181 passengers aboard the Jeju Air flight from Bangkok, only two are believed to have survived. The Boeing 737 veered off the runway and collided with a wall at South Korea's Muan International Airport on Sunday morning.
Flight 7C-2216, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members on a 4.5 hour flight from Bangkok, Thailand, was landing at the airport in the country's southwest when the crash occurred, according to Yonhap News Agency.
The crash was believed to have been caused by "bird strikes, which led to malfunctioning landing gear" during the landing attempt, Yonhap reported.
However, just recently South Korea's transport ministry says the control tower at Muan airport had sent a warning of a bird strike to the plane before the crash happened. Authorities now suspect there was a landing gear failure that caused the crash and are looking into whether a bird strike is responsible.
Footage shared by local media showed the twin-engine jet skidding down the runway without landing gear before colliding with a wall, triggering an explosion of flames and debris. Other images revealed smoke and fire consuming parts of the plane.
Acting President Choi Sung-mok, who assumed the role on Friday amid a political crisis, directed rescue efforts. "All related agencies must mobilize every resource to save lives," his office said in a statement.
A spokesperson for Jeju Air stated the airline was investigating the reports.
About Jeju Air
Jeju Air is a South Korean low-cost airline based in Jeju City on Jeju Island. Founded in 2005 as a subsidiary of the Aekyung Group, it focuses on providing affordable air travel both within South Korea and to various international destinations across Asia.
The airline operates a fleet primarily composed of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which are well-suited for short- and medium-haul flights. Its route network includes domestic connections between major South Korean cities, such as Seoul, Busan, and Jeju, as well as international routes to countries like Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Jejju Air follows a low-cost carrier model, offering basic airfare with optional add-ons for services like checked baggage and meals. It appeals to both domestic and international travelers, particularly those visiting Jeju Island. The airline is also a member of the Value Alliance, a regional partnership of low-cost carriers, allowing it to expand its reach.
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