The death toll from the devastating Jeju Air crash has risen to 177, including 84 women, 82 men, and 11 individuals whose genders have not yet been identified, according to South Korea’s fire agency.
Rescue teams managed to save two crew members, who are reported to be conscious and in stable condition.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz extended his condolences, describing the crash as “terrible news.”
He expressed sympathy to the victims’ families and wished the injured a swift recovery.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also conveyed heartfelt support, stating that Ukraine shares in the grief of the Korean people.
As investigations progress, officials have recovered both black boxes from the crash site: the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder.
Over 1,500 personnel, including firefighters, police, and military units, are engaged in rescue and recovery efforts. A temporary morgue has been established, and arrangements for victim identification are ongoing. The airport’s runway remains closed, with operations expected to resume on January 1, 2025, pending further updates.
Initial reports suggest that a bird strike may have contributed to the crash. Air traffic controllers had issued a warning about bird activity shortly before the incident, and one of the survivors reportedly mentioned a bird strike.
Muan International Airport, where the crash occurred, has a history of bird strikes, with the highest incident rate among South Korea’s regional airports.
Experts are linking the rise in bird strike incidents to climate change, which has altered migratory patterns and increased bird populations near airports.
Authorities are employing advanced technologies, including AI and radar systems, to monitor and reduce bird strike risks.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation as South Korea mourns the lives lost in this tragic event.
