Jeju Air flight departing from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted a belly landing and exploded at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province. About 30 hours have passed since the accident occurred as the plane approached the runway around 3:30 p.m., but the smell of burning still lingered. The bodies have been recovered from the scene, but possessions ejected from the exploding aircraft remained scattered inside the airport.
A yellow police line was set around the barbed wire fence between the road and the runway. Beyond it, debris ejected by the impact of the accident was visible. The broken aircraft seats had their covers torn off or burnt, exposing the yellow cushioning. There were also magazines and emergency stretchers placed under each seat.
Close to the inside of the fence, there were bloodstains believed to belong to a victim amidst the wreckage. On-site, police personnel and police dogs were working on the second recovery operation of the bodies. The bloodstains were splattered outside the fence, with small pieces resembling flesh scattered around.
Na Won-o, head of the Jeju Air Accident Investigation Headquarters (South Jeolla Police Agency Investigation Chief), noted in a morning briefing, “A total of 606 pieces of bodies have been recovered from the accident scene so far,” adding, “It is difficult to recover every small piece of flesh.” A total of 179 people were victims in this accident.
The bereaved families who visited the site shed tears as they looked around with masks on. One woman said through tears, "How could this happen?" biting her lower lip as if trying to hold back sobs.
Two chrysanthemums were placed under the fence in memory of the accident victims. Above the flowers lay a condolence letter written by students of the Korea National University of Transportation. They wrote in the letter, “We will remember this tragic death for a lifetime,” and “May you rest peacefully in a better place. Our sincere condolences to the deceased.” Someone also left soju, beer, snacks, and instant rice.
On another side, the cleanup of the site was still in full swing. Several firefighters worked together to carry large pieces of debris ejected by the accident. Around the only remaining structure of the plane, the tail section, a dozen employees from the National Forensic Service gathered.