South Korea Plane Crash: Jeju Air Boeing 737 Disaster Claims 124 Lives—Investigation Underway

 At least 124 people have died after a Jeju Air passenger jet crashed during landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday morning, authorities confirmed.

The Boeing 737, operating as Jeju Air Flight 2216, veered off the runway and collided with a wall around 9 a.m. local time. The updated casualty figures were released by the National Fire Agency, with the death toll steadily rising throughout the day.

The flight carried 175 passengers and six crew members, having departed from Bangkok, according to the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. Officials are actively investigating the cause of the crash.

Casualty and Rescue Details 🚑

By Sunday afternoon, South Korean officials reported at least 124 confirmed deaths, including 54 men and 57 women. Authorities stated that 13 victims remain unidentified.

Two crew members—a man and a woman—were rescued from the wreckage and transported to a hospital. Their conditions have not been disclosed.

Aftermath and Response 🕯️

Conflicting reports initially surfaced regarding survivors. By 1 p.m. local time, authorities confirmed that the plane had been completely consumed by fire. A temporary morgue was established at the airport to manage the identification process.

Jeju Air, a low-cost South Korean carrier operating a fleet of 42 Boeing planes, issued a public apology via its website. The airline’s logo was replaced with a black version as a sign of mourning.

"We deeply apologize to all those affected by the incident at Muan Airport. We will make every effort to resolve the situation and sincerely regret the distress caused," the statement read.

Boeing also expressed condolences and stated they are in contact with Jeju Air to provide assistance. "We extend our deepest sympathies to the families who lost loved ones and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew," a spokesperson said.

Ongoing Investigation 🔍

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport is leading the investigation into the crash, focusing on mechanical failure, runway conditions, and pilot actions.

Muan, a city of approximately 90,000 residents located in southwest South Korea, has been shaken by this tragedy. The airport remains closed as recovery and cleanup operations continue.