South Korea is grappling with its deadliest aviation disaster after a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed during landing Sunday, killing 179 passengers and crew. Only two flight attendants survived the fiery wreckage, which officials called 'almost completely destroyed.' 💔
What We Know So Far
The flight from Thailand to Muan International Airport, 288 km southwest of Seoul, skidded off the runway and exploded into flames upon impact. Video footage showed smoke billowing from the engines before the plane collided with a wall. Authorities suspect a bird strike may have triggered the catastrophe.
Survivors’ Harrowing Accounts
One surviving crew member, 33, told doctors: 'When I woke up, I had already been rescued,' while a 25-year-old colleague sustained head injuries. Both remain hospitalized. Forensic teams continue identifying victims, many of whom were ejected from the aircraft during the crash. 🚑
Next Steps in the Investigation
U.S. National Transportation Safety Board experts are collaborating with South Korean officials and Boeing representatives. Both black boxes – critical to determining the cause – have been recovered. 🔍
