On December 29, 2024, a catastrophic plane crash occurred at Muan International Airport in South Korea, involving a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800. The aircraft, carrying 181 individuals, including two Thai nationals and six crew members, reportedly skidded off the runway, collided with a concrete barrier, and caught fire. Initial reports from the National Fire Agency indicated that 124 fatalities have been confirmed, with 54 men and 57 women identified. The identification process for an additional 13 bodies is ongoing.
The acting President of South Korea, Choi Sang-mok, declared the crash site a special disaster zone, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Rescue operations are being conducted by 1,562 personnel, including 490 firefighters and 455 police officers. Two crew members have been rescued alive.
The flight was returning from Bangkok, Thailand, and the incident occurred at approximately 9:03 AM local time. All flights to and from Muan International Airport have been canceled in the aftermath of the crash. Authorities are investigating the cause, with preliminary reports suggesting a possible bird strike that may have led to landing gear failure.
This incident marks one of the most severe aviation disasters in South Korea in recent decades, reminiscent of the Korean Air crash in 1997 that resulted in 229 fatalities.