'What happened? Why am I here?', South Korea plane crash survivor asks doctors

Two survivors of the deadliest air accident ever in South Korea, which killed 179 people on Sunday, were reportedly not able to recall the incident after regaining consciousness and appeared disoriented and confused when questioned about their health conditions.

Two crew members, the only two survivors, were rescued by emergency workers and rushed to hospital soon after the Jeju Air flight belly-landed and skidded off the end of the runway, erupting in a fireball as it slammed into a wall at Muan Airport.

Rather than describing his injuries, the 32-year-old crew member, identified as Lee, reportedly asked doctors, "What happened?" and "Why am I here?", The Korea Times reported.

Medical staff suggested that Lee's reaction could be attributed to shock. "It seems he was in a near-panic state, possibly worried about the safety of the plane and passengers," said a hospital staff.

According to the report, Lee was stationed at the rear of the aircraft to assist passengers and sustained serious injuries, including a fractured left shoulder and head trauma. Despite his condition, he remained conscious and was later transferred to a hospital in Seoul at his family's request.

Another flight attendant, a 25-year-old identified as Kwon, is receiving treatment at Mokpo Central Hospital. Kwon reportedly suffered a scalp laceration, a fractured ankle, and potential abdominal injuries.

She complained of head, ankle, and abdominal pain but, like Lee, could not recall the events of the crash, The Korea Times reported. Hospital officials said that while her life is not in danger, they have been unable to gather details about the incident due to her condition.

Lee and Kwon were the only two survivors found in the tail section of the wreckage.

Jeju Air flight 7C2216, arriving from the Thai capital Bangkok with 175 passengers and six crew on board, struck a concrete fence while attempting to land at 9.07 am (local time). Officials suspect a landing gear failure, possibly due to a bird strike, may have caused the accident.

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