A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 plane carrying 181 people from Thailand to South Korea crashed during landing at Muan International Airport on Sunday.

The aircraft, which suffered a suspected bird strike, skidded off the runway, collided with a wall, and erupted into flames. Tragically, 179 people lost their lives, making it South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster.

PHOTO | COURTESY

Two flight attendants were the sole survivors, rescued from the wreckage. Rescue teams described the plane as “almost completely destroyed,” with passengers ejected from the aircraft upon impact. Fire officials confirmed that 65 victims had been identified, with DNA analysis underway for the remaining.

The accident unfolded minutes after the control tower issued a warning for a bird strike. Video footage revealed the plane landing on its belly, skidding, and crashing into a barrier before exploding.

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Authorities reported that the victims included 177 South Koreans and two Thai nationals, ranging in age from a three-year-old boy to a 78-year-old adult. Tearful family members gathered at the airport, mourning the loss of their loved ones.

Both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were recovered for investigation. Experts believe a bird strike likely caused engine failure, though further analysis is ongoing.

Jeju Air, established in 2005 and one of South Korea’s leading budget airlines, issued an apology and pledged support for affected families. Boeing also expressed readiness to assist in the investigation.

South Korea declared a seven-day national mourning period in response to the tragedy. Memorial altars are being set up nationwide, and the government vowed comprehensive support for the bereaved families.