Tragic news has emerged from South Korea on Sunday morning, December 29, 2024, after a Jeju Air plane crashed at Muan Airport.
A video circulating on social media shows a plume of smoke billowing from the aircraft’s engine before the entire fuselage erupted into flames.
According to multiple sources, the plane, which had originally flown from Bangkok to South Korea, encountered technical problems ahead of its scheduled landing. It is believed that the aircraft’s engine malfunctioned after it struck a flock of birds.
The crash has claimed the lives of many. As reported by CNN Indonesia, at the time of writing, 179 deaths have been confirmed.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu RI) is closely monitoring the situation. Judha Nugraha, the Indonesian Ambassador to Seoul, confirmed that the embassy was coordinating with local authorities regarding the incident.
Responding to the tragedy, Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Sugiono, expressed her condolences.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic Jeju Air plane incident at the ROK’s Muan International Airport. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this devastating incident.
— Menteri Luar Negeri Republik Indonesia (@Menlu_RI) December 29, 2024
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident involving the Jeju Air flight at Muan International Airport, South Korea. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this devastating event,” Minister said via his Twitter account @Menlu_RI.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also confirmed that there were no Indonesian citizens among the victims of the Jeju Air crash. Judha Nugraha, the Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens and Legal Entities, stated that the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul verified directly this information.
All Passengers Likely Dead, Except Two Flight Attendants
As reported by AFP, the Jeju Air flight, which had departed from Thailand for South Korea, was carrying a total of 181 people, including 175 passengers and six cabin crew members.
The plane was completely destroyed, complicating both the evacuation efforts and the identification of the victims. Thus far, only two survivors have been found: both are flight attendants from Jeju Air. According to AFP, 167 people have been confirmed dead, while the remaining passengers are still being evacuated.
CNN has reported that the death toll has risen to 176, according to the Korean Fire Agency. Of the 176 confirmed dead, 82 were men, 83 were women, and 11 have yet to be identified.
The two survivors were found in the tail section of the plane, where they had been seated.
Passenger’s Last Message Before the Jeju Air Crash
The crash has left many heartbroken, as the final moments of some passengers have been shared by their loved ones. One particularly poignant story involves a passenger’s last message, sent just before the plane made its ill-fated attempt at an emergency landing.
According to The Korea Times, a man waiting at the airport to pick up his family members, who were on the doomed flight, shared the last message he received from one of the passengers.
At 9 a.m., just before the crash, the passenger sent a message via KakaoTalk.
“A bird hit the wing, and we can’t land,” the message read.
When the man inquired about the timing of the incident, the passenger responded a minute later: “Just now. Should I make a will?” That was the last message the man received, and after that, all communication ceased.
