World
Rescue operation ends with 179 people confirmed dead in South Korea plane crash, Only 2 people survived
Muan, South Korea – A tragic plane crash on Sunday morning at Muan International Airport marked the deadliest aviation accident in South Korea’s history, claiming 179 lives and leaving only two survivors.
The incident occurred as Jeju Air flight 7C2216, en route from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted to land at the airport.
The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, belly-landed at approximately 9:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT).
The plane skidded off the runway, collided with navigation equipment, and burst into flames upon striking a wall.
The South Korean Ministry of Transport confirmed the fatalities and reported that two crew members—a man and a woman—were rescued from the tail section of the burning aircraft. Both survivors sustained medium to severe injuries and are receiving treatment.
Fire Chief Lee Jung-hyun described the catastrophic scene:
“Only the tail part retains some semblance of shape. The rest of the plane is almost unrecognizable.”
Preliminary reports suggest a possible bird strike might have caused the landing gear to malfunction. A passenger had reportedly texted a relative, stating, “A bird is stuck in the wing,” before sending a final message, “Should I say my last words?” The control tower had issued a bird strike warning prior to the crash, and the pilots declared a mayday shortly before attempting a landing from the opposite direction.
Authorities are working closely with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing, as the aircraft was manufactured in 2009 by the American company.
The plane’s twin CFM56-7B26 engines were produced by CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and France’s Safran.
CFM released a statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jeju Air flight 2216. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families and loved ones of those on board.”
Video footage from local media showed the plane skidding without visible landing gear before the fiery crash.
Emergency personnel combed the wreckage and nearby areas for victims who may have been ejected from the aircraft. Mortuary vehicles lined up to transport remains, and a temporary morgue was established to accommodate the high number of fatalities.
Witnesses at the airport’s arrival area expressed grief and frustration. One bereaved family member pleaded for clarity:
“My older brother died, and I don’t know what’s going on.”
Another asked for privacy, saying, “We are not monkeys in a zoo. We are the bereaved families.”
This disaster marks the worst crash involving a South Korean airline since a Korean Air crash in Guam in 1997, which killed over 200 people. It also surpasses the 2002 Air China crash in South Korea that claimed 129 lives.
Jeju Air, founded in 2005, is South Korea’s third-largest airline by passenger volume. This was its first fatal flight. The crash occurred just three weeks after Jeju Air launched regular routes between Muan and Bangkok.
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae offered a public apology, bowing deeply during a press conference:
“This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are cooperating fully with investigators and prioritizing support for the victims’ families.”
South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok, recently named interim leader amidst a political crisis, visited the crash site and pledged full government resources to the investigation and relief efforts.
Thai officials confirmed that two Thai nationals were among the deceased. Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed condolences and instructed the foreign ministry to assist the victims’ families.
All flights at Muan International Airport were canceled following the accident. The airport, one of South Korea’s smallest, had seen a surge in international passenger traffic, with numbers increasing nearly twentyfold in 2023.
Global aviation standards mandate that South Korea lead the investigation, with collaboration from the United States. Experts noted that bird strikes are common but rarely result in such catastrophic outcomes.
“A bird strike alone doesn’t typically bring down an aircraft. This incident raises significant questions that need answers,” said Geoffrey Thomas, editor of Airline News.
As investigators continue their work, families mourn the devastating loss of loved ones in what is now a somber chapter in South Korea’s aviation history.
World
Counter-Terrorism Police Identify Suspect in Manchester Synagogue Attack as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie
Manchester, UK – Counter-terrorism police have formally identified the man responsible for today’s deadly attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester as Jihad al Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.
Al Shamie was shot and killed by armed officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) after he rammed his car into worshippers and began stabbing individuals gathered for Yom Kippur services.
Authorities confirmed that two people were killed and several others injured, including a synagogue security guard. Four victims are being treated for injuries caused by both the vehicle collision and stab wounds.
According to initial reports from the Press Association, al Shamie’s name does not currently appear in existing police or security service counter-terrorism records, and he was not under active investigation prior to the attack. Further database checks are ongoing to determine whether his details appear in any other historical inquiries.
Earlier in the day, GMP stated that the attacker’s identity was known to them but could not be publicly confirmed at the time due to “safety reasons at the scene.” Bomb disposal units had been deployed because of suspicious items found on the suspect’s body, including a possible explosive device.
09:31 BST – GMP received reports of a car ramming into congregants outside the synagogue in the Crumpsall area of Manchester, approximately four miles from the city centre.
The attacker exited the vehicle armed with a knife and assaulted multiple victims before being confronted by firearms officers.
Dramatic video footage from bystanders shows police aiming weapons at the suspect, who was on the ground, before he attempted to rise. Officers fired additional shots, fatally wounding him.
In the same footage, another individual can be seen lying near the synagogue gates in a pool of blood, while police shouted warnings about a potential bomb.
The incident has been declared a major terrorist incident. GMP confirmed that the “immediate danger appears to be over,” but the area remains sealed off while forensic officers, counter-terrorism investigators, and explosives experts conduct searches.
Political and community leaders have strongly condemned the attack:
- Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party leader, described it as “an outrageous attack on the Jewish community on their holiest day – vile and disgusting.”
- Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester it is “believed” the suspect is dead, though formal confirmation is pending, and reassured residents that the immediate threat has been contained.
- King Charles III and Queen Camilla issued a statement expressing that they were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the assault, adding: “Especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident, and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services.”
Counter-terrorism detectives are working to establish al Shamie’s background, potential motives, and whether he had any connections to extremist groups. Officials stressed that at this stage, he is believed to have acted alone.
GMP and national security agencies remain on high alert and have urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid the affected area, and report any suspicious activity immediately.