Tragic final moments of Jeju Air plane crash victims - harrowing last words and 'loud bang'
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A terrified passenger on the doomed Jeju Air flight 7C2216 shared his final fear before the aircraft erupted. A budget airline flight travelling from Thailand to South Korea came to a horrific end this morning as the aircraft appeared to struggle during landing and skidded off the runway. The plane, carrying 181 people aged between three and 78 years old, including six flight staff, tragically crashed into a wall and exploded at 9.30am local time.
At least 177 people have been confirmed dead, and two survivors have been taken to hospital, as families of the victims have congregated at Muan International Airport. It is believed most of the tourists were in their 40s, 50s and 60s with 22 victims identified so far.
Local media reported that a passenger on board the plane texted a loved one with a heartbreaking message just before the crash. The recipient of the text, who was referred to as Mr A, told reporters he had been waiting with his family at the airport. He said: "I have not been able to contact them since my family contacted me saying there was a problem with the plane.".
Then, heartbreakingly, he revealed the relative asked in their last message: "Should I make a will?" The passenger also reportedly said that a bird had gotten "caught on the wing and we couldn't land". The News1 agency reported another passenger texted a relative with a final message saying: "Should I say my last words?".
Witnesses told South Korea's Yonhap news agency that they saw sparks and heard an explosion. Yoo Jae-yong, 41, who was staying near the airport, said he saw a spark on the right wing shortly before the crash. He said he saw "black smoke billowing into the sky" after hearing a "loud explosion".
