South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok declared a national mourning period until January 4 following a catastrophic plane crash at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning. The tragedy, involving Jeju Air flight 7C2216, claimed at least 177 lives in what officials have described as the deadliest air accident in South Korean history and the worst involving a domestic airline in nearly three decades.
The flight, which originated in Bangkok, Thailand, was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members. It attempted to land at the airport in the country’s southern region shortly after 9 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) but crashed, according to the transport ministry. Two crew members were rescued alive, while two individuals remain missing and are presumed dead.
Choi convened an emergency meeting on Sunday evening, expressing his condolences to the victims’ families and promising a thorough investigation into the cause of the disaster. “We are committed to uncovering the truth behind this tragic event and ensuring measures are put in place to prevent such accidents in the future,” he said.
Heartbreaking stories have emerged in the aftermath of the crash, including a chilling final exchange between a parent on board and their child. At 9:01 a.m., the parent sent a text message: “Wait, a bird is stuck in the wing. Unable to land now… Should I leave a will?” The child’s reply, sent at 9:37 a.m., read, “Why can’t I make a call with you?” The message remains unread.
At the crash site, authorities established a temporary morgue as mortuary vehicles lined up to transport the victims. Distraught families gathered, weeping loudly as officials announced the names of those who perished.
The transport ministry has launched a full investigation into the accident, with preliminary reports suggesting the possibility of a bird strike that may have compromised the plane’s ability to land. Aviation experts and forensic teams are working around the clock to analyze flight data and recover evidence from the wreckage.
The government has pledged to provide support to the victims’ families, including financial assistance and counseling services. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the nation, with citizens expressing solidarity and mourning the immense loss of life.
As South Korea grapples with the aftermath of this unprecedented tragedy, questions about aviation safety and the measures necessary to prevent future accidents are expected to dominate national discourse in the coming weeks.
