A devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport in southwestern South Korea has left the nation in shock and grief. A Jeju Air passenger jet, carrying 181 people from Bangkok, crash-landed and burst into flames on Sunday, resulting in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters in decades.The Ill-fated Flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800 jet, took off from Bangkok with 175 passengers and six crew members. All passengers were South Korean, except for two Thai nationals. As the plane attempted to land at Muan International Airport, it skidded off the runway at high speed, slammed into a wall, and exploded into a fireball.Rescue Efforts and CasualtiesEmergency responders rushed to the scene, but their efforts were hindered by the severity of the crash. Two crew members were rescued from the tail section of the plane, but unfortunately, all 179 others on board perished. The survivors, both crew members, were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.As news of the disaster spread, anxious relatives gathered at the airport, awaiting information about their loved ones. The atmosphere was tense, with wails and screams filling the air as the reality of the situation sunk in.Investigation and CausesAuthorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, with various factors being considered. One possibility is a bird strike, which may have damaged the plane’s engines. Witnesses reported hearing loud explosion-like sounds and seeing flames trailing from one of the engines.Other potential causes include a hydraulic system failure, which may have prevented the deployment of the landing gear. Aviation experts have also suggested that the plane’s failure to activate its wing flaps may have contributed to the crash.Reaction and ResponseThe disaster has sent shockwaves throughout South Korea, with the government and aviation authorities scrambling to respond. Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who took office as acting president on Friday, rushed to the scene to oversee the response efforts.Jeju Air’s CEO, Kim E-bae, publicly apologized for the crash and pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation. The airline has also set up a support center for families of the victims.Nation in MourningAs the country comes to terms with the scale of the tragedy, a sense of national mourning has set in. The disaster has brought back memories of past aviation tragedies, including the 1997 crash of a Korean Air jet in Guam, which killed 229 people.The crash has also raised questions about aviation safety in South Korea and the need for improved safety measures. As the investigation continues, the nation remains in a state of shock, mourning the loss of so many lives.A Mix of Emotions: An Air Hostess’s Reaction“As I read about the devastating plane crash in South Korea, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. Fear, anxiety, sadness, and a sense of vulnerability all swirled together in my mind. As an air hostess, I’ve dedicated my career to ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. But incidents like this one serve as a harsh reminder of the risks we take every time we step onto an aircraft.Every flight, I go through the same routine: safety demonstrations, welcoming passengers, and ensuring everyone is secure and comfortable. But beneath the surface, I’m always aware of the potential risks. What if something goes wrong? What if we encounter unexpected turbulence or a medical emergency? What if…? The South Korea plane crash has brought all these “what ifs” to the forefront of my mind. I keep thinking about the crew members who lost their lives, the passengers who were injured, and the families who are now grieving. It’s a sobering reminder that, despite our best efforts, we can’t always control the outcome. As an air hostess, I’ve learned to manage my fears and focus on the task at hand. But incidents like this one make me realize that, no matter how prepared we are, we’re not invincible. We’re human beings, just like the passengers we serve, and we’re all vulnerable to the unexpected. Despite the fear and anxiety that comes with this job, I remain committed to my role. I know that I’m part of a team that works tirelessly to ensure the safety and comfort of our passengers. And I take pride in knowing that, even in the face of uncertainty, we’re all in this together. As I prepare for my next flight, I’ll carry the memories of the South Korea plane crash with me. I’ll remember the lives lost, the families affected, and the bravery of the crew members who fought to save as many lives as possible. And I’ll do my best to honor their memory by staying vigilant, focused, and committed to the safety of every passenger on board.” – Trisha Bera.Tributes and SupportTributes have been pouring in for the victims, with many taking to social media to express their condolences. The government has also announced plans to provide support to the families of the victims, including financial assistance and counseling services.As the nation struggles to come to terms with the tragedy, one thing is clear: the memory of the 179 lives lost will not be forgotten. The disaster will serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the need for vigilance in ensuring the well-being of all those who take to the skies. Stay updated with the latest news.
By Anusmita Bhatta
Reporting for True To Life News Media Pvt. Ltd.