A devastating plane crash in South Korea has left only two survivors out of 181 passengers and crew aboard Jeju Air Flight LJ195. The flight, originating from Bangkok, met a catastrophic end while attempting to land at Muan International Airport, approximately 290 kilometers south of Seoul. The incident triggered a large-scale rescue operation as emergency teams sifted through charred debris for hours.
Survivors pulled from the wreckage
The two survivors, both flight attendants, were identified as 32-year-old Lee and 25-year-old Kwon. Rescued from the aircraft’s tail section, the attendants were found in a state of shock and confusion. Lee, who was stationed at the rear of the aircraft, repeatedly asked, “What happened?” and “Why am I here?” while being treated at Mokpo Korean Hospital, according to the Korean Times.
Hospital officials reported that Lee sustained fractured shoulder and head injuries but remained conscious. She was later transferred to a Seoul hospital at her family’s request. Meanwhile, Kwon, admitted to Mokpo Central Hospital, suffered a scalp laceration, a fractured ankle, and abdominal pain. Medical staff described her condition as serious but not life-threatening, adding that she, like Lee, could not recall the crash.
The crash and initial findings
Preliminary investigations attribute the crash to a possible landing gear malfunction. The aircraft reportedly skidded off the runway and struck a concrete barrier before bursting into flames. Investigators have since recovered the plane’s black boxes and are analyzing the data to determine whether maintenance failures or human error contributed to the disaster.
The tragedy unfolds against the backdrop of South Korea’s political unrest. President Yoon Suk Yeol, embroiled in a scandal over his imposition of martial law earlier this month, faces charges of insurrection. With Yoon stripped of his duties and his replacement dismissed, Acting President and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok now bears the burden of addressing both a national crisis and a deeply shaken public.
This dual crisis has left South Korea grappling with questions about governance and safety as families mourn the loss of loved ones and await answers about the disaster. The crash serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of accountability in both aviation and government.