A devastating plane crash involving Jeju Air has claimed the lives of at least 179 passengers and crew, marking the deadliest air disaster of 2024. The flight, which carried 181 people, was en route from Seoul to Jeju Island when it crashed shortly after takeoff. Only two survivors have been rescued from the wreckage, while the remaining passengers and crew are presumed dead. The tragedy has left South Korea and the world in mourning and raised serious concerns about aviation safety.
The Jeju Air disaster is part of a troubling year for global aviation, with multiple crashes claiming lives worldwide. This incident surpasses the fatalities from previous major crashes in 2024, including the August plane crash in Brazil and last week’s Azerbaijani aircraft disaster in Kazakhstan. The Brazilian crash involved a Voepass Airlines ATR-72 that went down in São Paulo, killing 62 people. Investigations revealed that icing conditions during the flight were a contributing factor. The Kazakhstan crash involved an Azerbaijan Airlines flight, resulting in dozens of fatalities, though 25 survivors were rescued.
Other notable tragedies in 2024 include a Saurya Airlines crash in Nepal, where 18 of 19 onboard were killed during takeoff from Kathmandu. Japan experienced a deadly collision between a passenger plane and a coast guard aircraft, leading to the deaths of five coast guard members, although all passengers on the commercial flight survived. In the U.S., an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 faced a life-threatening incident when part of its fuselage detached mid-flight, but the pilot safely landed the plane, saving all 177 onboard.
Military aviation disasters have also been a significant part of 2024’s grim record. A Russian military plane carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war was shot down in January, killing 74 people. Another crash in Russia involved an IL-76 military cargo plane that caught fire mid-flight, resulting in 15 fatalities. Additionally, a Sukhoi Superjet 100 crashed during a domestic flight in July, killing all three crew members.
The Jeju Air crash has underscored ongoing concerns about aviation safety. The widespread devastation, combined with the loss of so many lives, has prompted calls for stricter safety measures, improved pilot training, and enhanced aircraft maintenance standards. Emergency services in South Korea continue their search and recovery efforts, offering a glimmer of hope for more answers as the investigation progresses.
As 2024 comes to a close, this year will be remembered for its devastating impact on the aviation industry. Each crash serves as a somber reminder of the need to prioritize safety and innovation in air travel. For the families of the victims, the loss is immeasurable, and the world mourns alongside them, hoping for a safer future in the skies.
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