How the only 2 survivors of fatal plane crash that killed 179 made it out alive

It has been revealed how the only two survivors of the recent fatal plane crash in South Korea made it out alive.

Over 1,000 emergency service workers were called to the scene. Credit: Chris Jung/NurPhoto/Getty

On Sunday (December 29), a Jeju Air flight burst into flames after skidding off a runway at Muan International Airport in South Korea and hitting a concrete wall before bursting into flames, killing almost all the passengers on board.

Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 caught on fire after landing without the correct working landing gear, resulting in one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the country’s history.

Following the crash over 1,500 emergency service workers including firefighters, police officers, and soldiers were called to the scene to look for any potential survivors while making sure the area was secured.

South Korean rescue team members check near the wreckage of a passenger plane at Muan International Airport. Credit: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty

The victims, which included 85 women, 84 men, and 10 others who were not immediately identifiable, died in the fire, the South Korean fire agency confirmed.

There were only two survivors on board, both of whom were crew members, and 179 victims who tragically died, according to officials.

Most of the victims were said to be of Korean nationality, except for two passengers from Thailand, who were part of the crew on board the aircraft.

There were 179 victims of the crash. Credit: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty

A 33-year-old flight attendant, identified by his last name Lee, as well as his colleague, identified by her last name Koo, were reportedly sat at the back of the plane when the crash occurred, as reported by ABC News.

“Only the tail part retains a little bit of shape, and the rest of (the plane) looks almost impossible to recognize,” the fire chief said at a press briefing after the incident.

An analysis conducted by TIME Magazine using 35 years of Federal Aviation Administration data found that rear seats are statistically the safest in crashes.

According to the analysis, seats in the back third of the aircraft had a 32% fatality rate, compared with 39% in the middle third and 38% in the front third.

However, this highly depends on the nature of the crash and how it impacts the aircraft.

The families of the victims have been notified of their deaths. Credit: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty

In the case of the Jeju Air flight, the tail was the only part of the plane that could properly be identified, as per officials.

Its black box has been retrieved and will be examined as part of the investigation. Transport ministry officials added that the runway at Muan airport would be closed until January 1, according to the New York Post.

South Korean monks pay tribute at a group memorial altar for victims of Flight 7C2216. Credit: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty

All the victims’ loved ones have now been notified and funerals are being held as the investigation continues.