A Jeju Air flight carrying 181 people crashed at Muan International Airport on Sunday, leaving only two survivors in one of South Korea’s deadliest aviation disasters. The two survivors, both flight attendants, were rescued from the tail section of the aircraft who were left disoriented and shocked after the incident.
Among the survivors was 32-year-old Lee, who was stationed at the rear of the plane to assist passengers during landing and was rushed to Mokpo Korean Hospital.
Lee appeared disoriented, repeatedly asking, “What happened?” and “Why am I here?” rather than describing his injuries, as reported by the Korean Times.
Hospital officials suggested that Lee’s reaction reflects the psychological impact of the crash. “It seems he was in a near-panic state, possibly worried about the safety of the plane and passengers,” a medical professional shared. Lee sustained a fractured left shoulder and head injuries but remained conscious.
The second survivor, a 25-year-old flight attendant identified as Kwon, is receiving treatment at Mokpo Central Hospital. Kwon, too, has no recollection of the crash and reported severe pain in her head, ankle, and abdomen. Medical staff revealed that she suffered a scalp laceration, a fractured ankle, and is undergoing tests for abdominal injuries.
“While her life is not in danger, the trauma and injuries are significant. We have yet to ask her about the crash,” a hospital representative said.
Investigations suggest the crash occurred when the plane’s landing gear failed to deploy. The jetliner skidded off the runway, its impact with the concrete fence triggering a massive fire. Emergency responders from the National Fire Agency confirmed the toll, recovering 179 fatalities and rescuing the two crew members.
The flight, which had taken off from Bangkok, was attempting to land in Muan, a town located 290 kilometers (180 miles) south of Seoul.