A devastating plane crash in South Korea has claimed the lives of 179 people, making it the nation’s deadliest aviation disaster in decades. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by Jeju Air was carrying passengers from Bangkok to Seoul when it crashed on Sunday.
According to eyewitnesses, the plane suffered engine trouble and received a bird strike warning before making its landing attempt. However, the pilot issued a distress signal, and the plane failed to land safely, overshot the runway, and crashed into a concrete fence, bursting into flames.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with officials examining possible causes such as communication problems between air traffic controllers and the pilot. They are also looking into whether lighter materials for the aircraft’s landing gear could have prevented the crash.
Boeing has faced criticism in recent years over safety issues and a machinists strike affecting its 737-800 models. While experts consider the 737-800 to be a more proven model than the 737 Max, South Korean authorities will conduct safety inspections on all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by domestic airlines.
The crash has sent shockwaves through South Korean society, which is already reeling from a political crisis that led to the successive impeachments of President Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime Minister Han Duk-soo. Authorities are working to support bereaved families and have mobilized personnel to aid in the investigation and recovery efforts.
World leaders have expressed their condolences to South Korea, with US President Joe Biden stating that his country stands ready to provide any necessary assistance. The incident has highlighted concerns about the absence of top officials directly responsible for handling disasters, leading some to question whether it will affect the government’s response to the aftermath.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/plane-crash-boeing-korea-7940e58af30111758401ebb4d2c3d495