Confirmation of Deaths: Thai Ambassador Addresses the Incident
Tanee Sangrat, the Thai ambassador to South Korea, has confirmed the heartbreaking deaths of two Thai nationals, Jongluk Doungmanee, 45, and Sirithon Chaue, 22, in a devastating plane crash. The incident occurred on Sunday morning when a Jeju Air flight carrying 181 people from Thailand to South Korea crashed upon arrival at Muan International Airport.
Details of the Crash: A Boeing 737-800 Disaster
The Boeing 737-800 was attempting to land when it crashed into a barrier and erupted into flames, resulting in the tragic loss of 179 lives. Among the deceased were two Thai nationals, with Mr. Tanee expressing his deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.
Royal Thai Embassy’s Response to the Crisis
In light of the incident, the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul has been notified that two Thai citizens were aboard the ill-fated flight. The embassy is currently verifying their status and is prepared to provide necessary assistance to those impacted by this disaster. Thai citizens affected are encouraged to reach out to the embassy’s emergency contact numbers for support.
Government Officials Extend Condolences
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her sympathies via social media, emphasizing her commitment to assisting the families of the victims. She instructed the Foreign Affairs Ministry to expedite help for those affected and ensure regular updates on the situation.
Investigation Underway: Possible Causes of the Crash
Authorities have suggested that a bird strike and adverse weather conditions may have contributed to the crash. Eyewitness accounts describe a sunny day, leading some experts to question whether these factors alone caused the aircraft’s landing gear to malfunction.
Eyewitness Accounts: A Distressing Scene
Video footage captured during the incident shows the Jeju Air plane landing on its belly at Muan International Airport before skidding off the runway and crashing into a wall. Local fire officials reported that passengers were ejected from the aircraft upon impact, leaving little chance for survival.
Recovery Operations: Challenges Faced by Emergency Teams
As rescue operations continue, only two individuals have been rescued—both flight attendants—while 124 fatalities have been confirmed by mid-afternoon. The wreckage of the aircraft remains on the runway as firefighters and emergency personnel work diligently to recover any remaining victims.
Identifying Victims: A Difficult Process
Local fire officials indicated that identifying those who perished in the crash is proving challenging due to the extensive damage inflicted on the aircraft. The recovery process is time-consuming as teams work to locate and recover remains amidst debris.
A National Tragedy
The crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 at Muan International Airport marks one of South Korea’s deadliest aviation disasters in years. As investigations continue and families mourn their losses, authorities are committed to ensuring safety standards in air travel are upheld. The nation stands united in grief as it navigates this tragic event.
