Tragedy at Muan airport: Jeju Air crash claims 179 lives
179 people died in the Jeju Air plane crash at Muan Airport. Among the victims was the daughter of Jeon Je-young, returning from Bangkok. "She was almost home - she thought she was coming home," said the distraught man. The circumstances of the tragedy in South Korea are under investigation.
On Sunday, there was a tragic Jeju Air plane crash at Muan Airport in South Korea. Out of 181 people on board, only two were rescued from the rear part of the plane. Among the 179 victims was Jeon Je-young's daughter, who was returning from a trip to Bangkok.
South Korea. His daughter died in a plane crash. "Unbelievable"
The crash was described by South Korea's Ministry of Transport as the most tragic air accident involving South Korean airlines in nearly three decades. Acting President Choi Sang Mok declared a national mourning period until January 4th.
Jeon Je-young's daughter was on the plane. In a conversation with Reuters, the man expressed his disbelief and pain over the loss of his daughter.
"She was almost home, so [she saw] no need to call the family [to leave any final message]. She thought she was coming home," the man said. "When I saw the accident video, the plane seemed out of control. The pilots probably had no choice but to do it. My daughter, who is only in her mid-40s, ended up like this. This is unbelievable."
The Korean's daughter left behind a husband and a teenage daughter. Her father also wonders if the pilots could have done anything more to avoid the disaster.
"The water near the airport is not deep. Here are softer fields than this cement runway. Why couldn't the pilot land there instead?", Jeon Je-young said.
Investigation into the causes of the disaster
Investigators are analyzing possible causes of the crash, including bird involvement and weather conditions. Muan’s Fire Chief, Lee Jung-hyun, confirmed that various scenarios are being examined. South Korean authorities have ordered urgent aviation safety inspections, and all 101 Boeing 737 planes will be checked.
As determined, the pilots reported a bird strike before the crash, which could have damaged the aircraft's landing gear. Short mayday signals and an attempt at a second approach indicate difficulties. Videos that have appeared online show the plane skidding without landing gear and colliding with a concrete wall.
The crash in Muan was one of the most tragic in South Korea. 179 people died, and surviving attendants Lee and Koo are hospitalized. Experts are analyzing black boxes to understand the causes and prevent similar tragedies in the future. Lee, one of the survivors, has regained consciousness, and flight attendant Koo's condition is stable. The investigation is ongoing.
