In a catastrophe that has shocked the world, a Jeju Air flight erupted into flames while attempting to land in Muan, South Korea, early Sunday morning. The fiery crash claimed 179 lives, leaving only two survivors in a scene described as “utter devastation.”

The disaster struck at 9:03 a.m. when a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 arriving from Bangkok skidded off the runway. Eyewitnesses described the plane hurtling uncontrollably, its front landing gear failing to deploy, before it slammed into a concrete fence and exploded. The resulting fire engulfed the aircraft in a towering inferno, sending plumes of black smoke into the sky visible for miles.

Dramatic footage aired on South Korean TV showed the plane barreling across the airstrip at breakneck speed before the collision, leaving no doubt about the sheer force of the impact. Emergency responders flooded the scene, deploying 32 fire trucks, helicopters, and over 1,500 personnel to battle the blaze and search for survivors.

Of the 181 people on board, only two crew members survived, pulled from the wreckage in what officials called a “miracle.” They are now in stable condition. “I woke up to find myself rescued,” one survivor told doctors, according to Ju Woong of Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital.

The dead include 85 women, 84 men, and 10 individuals whose identities remain unconfirmed. Identification efforts are ongoing, with grief-stricken families awaiting news in agony. “We are doing everything we can to bring answers to these families,” said senior fire official Kim Sung-hoon.

Investigators are focusing on a potential bird strike as a contributing factor. Moments before the crash, the airport’s control tower issued a bird strike warning and offered the pilot an alternative landing zone. However, a distress signal was sent moments later, and the plane careened off the runway.

Authorities have recovered the plane’s black box and cockpit voice recorder, critical tools for uncovering what caused the disaster. “It could take months to analyze the data,” said Transport Ministry official Joo Jong-wan.

The tragedy has drawn global attention and condolences. Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims, while Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed their sorrow for the immense loss. In South Korea, Acting President Choi Sang-mok declared Muan a disaster zone and announced a week of national mourning.

Jeju Air’s President Kim E-bae issued a public apology, bowing deeply during a televised address. “We accept full responsibility for this tragedy and will cooperate fully with investigations,” Kim stated. Boeing also released a statement expressing condolences and pledging support.

This disaster is South Korea’s deadliest aviation accident since 1997, when a Korean Air flight crashed in Guam, killing 228 people. Globally, it evokes memories of the 2010 Air India Express crash that left 158 dead and the 2007 Airbus A320 disaster in São Paulo.

The crash comes at a tumultuous time for South Korea, already in political chaos following the impeachment of Acting President Han Duck-soo. As families wail in despair at Muan airport and a nation mourns, questions about air safety and accountability loom large.

“This tragedy has left an indelible mark on South Korea and the world,” said Acting President Choi. For the families of the 179 lost, the skies above Muan will forever be a somber reminder of lives cut short.