A Boeing 737 operated by South Korean airline Jeju Air crashed early this morning, taking the lives of 179 people. The aircraft was performing flight 7C2216, traveling from Bangkok to Muan in South Jeolla Province, South Korea.
The aircraft reportedly encountered a flock of birds during the landing approach at Muan International Airport, causing critical damage and preventing the landing gear from deploying.
During the second landing attempt, the crew executed a belly landing on the fuselage. The aircraft, traveling at high speed, skidded off the runway, struck a barrier, and burst into flames. Of the 181 people on board — 175 passengers and six crew members — only two survived. Preliminary reports indicate the survivors were seated in the rear section of the plane.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on the sequence of events leading to the landing gear malfunction and the response measures taken. Emergency services continue to recover remains and assist the survivors.
