Passenger’s final reaction before the catastrophic South Korean plane crash has shed light on the terrifying final moments experienced by those aboard. A Jeju Air flight traveling from Bangkok to Muan International Airport burst into flames during its landing, leaving only two survivors out of the 181 passengers and crew. The incident, which occurred early on December 29, has been described as one of the worst aviation disasters in South Korea’s history.
Passenger’s Haunting Final Words
Shortly before the crash, a passenger sent an eerie text message to a relative: “Should I say my last words?” This message followed reports that a bird had become lodged in the plane’s wing, a detail confirmed by sources close to the investigation. The aircraft, a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, was seen in footage skidding down the runway before slamming into a wall and erupting into flames.
The chilling final message underscores the panic and helplessness aboard the ill-fated flight. The video footage, widely circulated online, captured the horrifying sequence of events as the aircraft attempted an emergency landing but failed to stop in time.
Emergency Efforts And Recovery Operations
Emergency responders at Muan International Airport faced immense challenges as they worked to recover victims and manage the aftermath. A fire department spokesperson described the wreckage as “destroyed,” complicating the process of identifying the deceased.
“Recovering remains is taking time due to the condition of the wreckage,” the spokesperson said. So far, 120 bodies have been recovered, while 59 individuals remain unaccounted for. The two survivors—a man and a woman—are being treated at a local hospital for severe injuries.
This disaster is being compared to the 1997 Korean Air crash in Guam, which claimed over 200 lives. It marks a grim milestone as South Korea’s deadliest aviation accident in nearly three decades.
Jeju Air Issues Formal Apology
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae addressed the tragedy in a heartfelt statement on the airline’s website, offering condolences and taking responsibility for the incident.
“At approximately 9:03 AM on December 29, flight 7C2216 from Bangkok to Muan caught fire while landing. Above all, we express our deepest condolences and apologies to the families of the passengers who lost their lives in this accident,” Kim stated.
He further emphasized the airline’s commitment to working with government agencies to determine the cause of the crash. “Jeju Air will do everything possible to manage this accident promptly and support the families of those aboard. We will also do our utmost to determine the cause of the accident in cooperation with the government,” he added.
Kim’s statement concluded with an expression of profound responsibility and a pledge to improve safety measures.
Investigating The Cause Of The Disaster
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, preliminary findings suggest a bird strike may have contributed to the tragedy. The control tower reportedly issued a warning to the crew about a potential bird strike moments before the landing attempt.
Experts have raised concerns about safety protocols at regional airports like Muan, suggesting that additional measures are necessary to prevent such incidents in the future.
The transportation ministry is also examining the condition of the runway and the aircraft’s mechanical systems. Early reports indicate that the landing gear may not have been deployed, raising further questions about procedural lapses.
Condolences From Around The World
Messages of support and condolences have poured in from the global community. U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg expressed his grief on social media, writing, “I was heartbroken to hear about the tragedy at Muan Airport this morning. My sincerest condolences go out to the victims and their loved ones.”
Germany’s Ambassador Georg Schmidt echoed these sentiments, stating, “Very best wishes for the injured and all involved in the rescue efforts. Our thoughts and prayers are with South Korea.”
Impact On Families And Survivors
Family members of the victims gathered at Muan International Airport, desperate for information about their loved ones. Volunteers from the Red Cross distributed blankets and comforted the grieving relatives.
One emotional relative shared, “My older brother died, and I don’t know what’s going on.” Another family member pleaded with the media for privacy, stating, “We are not monkeys in a zoo. We are the bereaved families.”
South Korea’s national train operator has initiated special bullet train services to help families reach Muan from Seoul. The service is being offered free of charge to the bereaved.
Lessons For The Future Of Aviation Safety
This devastating crash highlights the critical need for improved aviation safety measures. As investigators work tirelessly to uncover the cause, the tragedy underscores the vulnerabilities of air travel and the importance of stringent safety protocols.
The haunting final message—”Should I say my last words?”—serves as a chilling reminder of the fragility of life and the urgency of addressing aviation risks. The global aviation community must act decisively to prevent such disasters in the future.