HEARTBREAKING FINAL MESSAGE OF A PASSENGER ON THE JEJU AIR PLANE CRASH

Shortly before the deadly crash, a passenger on the South Korean plane sent a heartbreaking message. The worst domestic civil aviation disaster in South Korea's history has been confirmed to have claimed the lives of 179 of the 181 passengers on board Jeju Air Flight 2216. Around 9:03 a.m. local time on Sunday, December 29, a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 crashed into Muan International Airport, 180 miles south of Seoul.

Although the exact cause of the incident is unknown, it is said that the pilot had to make a crash landing because the plane's front landing gear failed to deploy. Airport footage showed the aircraft skidding across the runway with its landing gear open before crashing into the wall and catching fire. According to NBC News, the pilot "declared mayday after issuing the bird strike alert," according to Joo Jong-wan, director of the Aviation Policy Division at South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. The pilot was reportedly given the all-clear to land from the other direction as well. Along with four crew members, all 175 passengers perished in the crash. Two flight attendants who survived the incident are receiving medical attention for their wounds at the hospital. According to reports, they are conscious.

One of the survivors, Lee, has stated, "I woke up and was rescued," according to the director of Seoul National University Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.

One of the passengers on the flight allegedly texted a family member, claiming that a bird was "stuck in the wing" and preventing the plane from landing, according to South Korean local media.

The passenger is said to have written, "Should I leave my last words?" The relative reported that they did not hear from the passenger again after receiving this message.

After the crash, devastated family members have been speaking out.

Maeng Gi-su's nephew and his nephew's two sons had been onboard the flight, returning from a holiday in celebration of the youngest son's college entrance exams being over.

"I can't believe the entire family has just disappeared, My heart hurts so much." the 78-year-old told the BBC.

When she learned of the crash, a cousin of another traveller on the flight told the BBC that she got "goosebumps."

She remarked, "I was shocked to learn that one of the victims was from Udon Thani. I couldn't believe it."

The government of South Korea has announced a national mourning period of seven days.

Jeju Air has a black banner at the top of its website which reads: "We deeply apologize to all those affected by the incident. We will make every effort to resolve the situation.”

"We sincerely regret the distress caused."