SEOUL: One of the two surviving flight attendants from the devastating Jeju Air crash on Sunday (Dec 29) has shared little about the incident, revealing to doctors that he “woke up to find himself rescued.” Medical staff have refrained from probing further to avoid exacerbating his trauma.
Dr. Ju Woong, chief of Ewha Womans University Medical Center, where the flight attendant, identified only by his surname Lee, is receiving treatment, addressed reporters on Sunday night. He stated that Lee has not provided details of the crash, which occurred around 9 am.
“There is significant trauma associated with the accident, and we chose not to question him about the specifics, as it would not aid his recovery,” Dr. Ju explained.
When asked about the possibility of memory loss, Dr. Ju said it was too early to draw conclusions. He confirmed, however, that Lee is fully able to communicate.
Initially hospitalized in Mokpo, South Jeolla Province, Lee was transferred to the Seoul-based medical center at approximately 4:15 pm. He was diagnosed with fractures in five areas of his body and sustained deep lacerations to his forehead and scalp.
Currently under intensive care, Lee faces potential paralysis due to neurological damage. He is also scheduled for psychological evaluation and treatment to address the emotional aftermath of the tragedy.
The second survivor, a female flight attendant surnamed Gu, is undergoing treatment at Asan Medical Center in Seoul. She sustained injuries to her ankle and head, which are not considered life-threatening. Medical staff have declined to provide further details about her condition.
Lee and Gu were the sole survivors of Jeju Air Flight 7C 2216, which crash-landed at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province. The aircraft failed to deploy its landing gear for reasons yet to be confirmed, resulting in the deaths of 179 of the 181 passengers and crew.
Authorities are continuing to identify victims and investigate the cause of the crash.
In response to the tragedy, the South Korean government has declared a seven-day national mourning period, set to end at midnight on Jan 4.
