A tragic plane crash in South Korea has claimed at least 124 lives, with dozens still missing and presumed dead. The Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, carrying 181 passengers and crew, was attempting a crash landing at Muan International Airport when it skidded off the runway and slammed into a wall.

Key Developments:

• Death Toll: Authorities have confirmed 124 fatalities, with only two survivors rescued from the wreckage. Rescue efforts have transitioned to recovery due to the severity of the crash.
• Possible Causes: Investigators are exploring bird strikes, landing gear failure, and adverse weather conditions as potential causes.
• Eyewitness Accounts: Witnesses reported a “loud explosion” and sparks from the engine moments before the crash. Surveillance footage showed the plane’s landing gear was not deployed.
• Rescue Operations: The tail section of the plane is the only part partially intact. Efforts are underway to recover bodies, with identification being hampered by the intensity of the impact and fire.
• Relief Measures: Acting President Choi Sang-mok has declared Muan a special disaster zone to expedite funding and support for victims and their families.

Corporate and Government Responses:

• Jeju Air: CEO Kim E-bae issued a public apology, stating that no prior mechanical issues were reported during regular maintenance.
• Boeing: The manufacturer expressed condolences and pledged support for the investigation.
• South Korean Transport Ministry: Confirmed that the plane, a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800, had no prior accident history and complied with safety standards.

Passenger Insights:

Most passengers were South Korean tourists returning from a Christmas package holiday in Bangkok. Reports surfaced of prior mechanical concerns during earlier flights of the same aircraft, raising further questions about maintenance protocols.

Global Reactions:

Aviation experts and international bodies are closely monitoring the investigation, with safety measures under scrutiny. This marks South Korea’s worst aviation disaster in recent history.

The nation mourns as the search for answers continues, with the hope of providing closure to the grieving families.