Two Survivors Are Crew Members, Citizens Worry “The Memories Will Last a Lifetime” (Muan Jeju Air Disaster)
Survivor A: Female Crew Member in Her 20s
According to Mokpo Jung Ang Hospital, where one of the survivors was taken, Crew Member A (a woman in her 20s) sustained fractures and contusions. Although she did not say much after being transported to the hospital, she responded to questions from the medical staff and was able to communicate. During the rescue operation, A reportedly told rescuers that “smoke came from the airplane engine, followed by an explosion“. Hospital officials stated that A would be transferred to a hospital in Seoul after discussions with her parents upon their arrival.
A hospital representative said, “While we cannot disclose all details, she is conscious and in no life-threatening condition. She is receiving emergency treatment and stabilizing. The final decision on her transfer will be made in consultation with her guardians.”
Survivor B: Male Crew Member in His 30s
The other survivor, Crew Member B (a 33-year-old man), was transported to Mokpo Hankuk Hospital. Upon arrival, when asked by medical staff “Where does it hurt?”, B instead asked, “What happened?”
B, who had been providing passenger services in the rear section of the aircraft at the time of the accident, is reported to have normal vital signs and is able to walk. He reportedly told the medical team, “I was wearing my seatbelt as the plane was about to land, but I don’t remember anything after that.”
A hospital official commented, “Given the situation, B is likely experiencing something close to a state of panic. It seems his first concern was the safety of the passengers, which may explain his initial questions.”
Citizens Express Concern for Survivors
General patients at Mokpo Jung Ang and Hankuk Hospitals shared their thoughts, “It’s a tragic event, but these two are incredibly fortunate to have survived. The memories of the accident will likely stay with them for the rest of their lives, and that’s worrisome.”
Meanwhile, at approximately 9:03 AM on Dec 29th, a Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 from Bangkok attempted to land at Muan International Airport but crashed, striking nearby structures and breaking apart. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, carrying 175 passengers (173 Koreans and two Thais) and six crew members, was engulfed in flames following the crash.
By 9:46 AM, firefighters had extinguished the initial fire and rescued two injured crew members from the tail section of the aircraft. However, most of the passengers are presumed to have perished. Fire and aviation authorities are continuing rescue operations, casualty verification and investigations into the exact cause of the accident.
