Seoul: In the wake of the devastating Jeju Air plane crash at a South Korean airport, which has claimed at least 179 lives, the airline has issued its first official statement. Jeju Air’s president, Kim E-bae, expressed profound grief and took full responsibility for the tragedy during a televised news conference. He assured the public that the aircraft underwent regular maintenance and stated that the cause of the crash would be clarified following a government investigation.
The accident occurred on Sunday morning when the 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 skidded off the runway at Muan Airport, about 290 kilometers south of Seoul. The plane, returning from Bangkok, burst into flames after its front landing gear apparently failed to deploy, slamming into a concrete barrier at 9:03 AM local time.
Rescue teams from the National Fire Agency pulled survivors from the burning aircraft, but officials fear the death toll may rise as several passengers remain unaccounted for. Among the 181 individuals onboard, including 85 women and 84 men, only a handful of survivors have been reported.
Boeing, the manufacturer of the ill-fated aircraft, also issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), extending condolences to the families of the victims and offering support to Jeju Air. The company stated, “We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew.”
This disaster marks one of the worst aviation accidents in South Korea’s history, raising urgent questions about air safety standards. As investigations proceed, the nation mourns a tragedy that has left families shattered and prompted an outpouring of grief and solidarity worldwide.
