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Tragedy Strikes as Jeju Air Plane Crashes at Muan Airport

A devastating incident unfolded at Muan Airport in South Korea on Sunday when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, returning from Bangkok, skidded off the runway, crashed into a wall, and burst into flames. Initial reports suggest that the aircraft’s landing gear failed to deploy, leading to the catastrophe that claimed the lives of all 179 individuals on board.

Memorials have begun as the community mourns the tragedy. A temporary center has been established where flowers and condolences have been laid in remembrance of those lost. The South Korean Transport Ministry reported that inspections of all Boeing 737-800 aircrafts in the country are underway following the crash.

Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes as the plane skidded at high speed across the runway before colliding with a concrete wall, triggering an explosion and thick plumes of black smoke. Eyewitness footage captured the moment of impact, showing that the plane was still airborne just before the crash. The situation was compounded by a mayday call from the pilot, who had reported a bird strike and alerted air traffic control.

Investigators are examining the flight data and cockpit voice recorders as they delve into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Jeju Air’s president publicly expressed deep sorrow and assumed full responsibility for the incident, stating no mechanical issues had been identified prior to the flight.

This tragic event marks the deadliest air disaster in South Korean history, surpassing previous tragedies, including the 1997 Korean Airlines crash in Guam and the 2013 Asiana Airlines accident in San Francisco. Boeing has reached out, expressing condolences and offering support to Jeju Air as investigations continue into the cause of the disaster.

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