SEOUL: A surviving flight attendant from Sunday’s (Dec 29) devastating Jeju Air crash revealed little about the accident, telling doctors 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 attendant, identified by his surname Lee, is receiving treatment, briefed reporters Sunday night. He noted that Lee has not detailed the crash, which occurred around 9 a.m.
“There is significant trauma from the incident, and asking him directly about the crash does not aid his recovery,” Dr. Ju stated.
When questioned about potential memory loss, Ju said it was too early to make any conclusions. He confirmed that Lee is fully communicative.
Initially treated at a hospital in Mokpo, South Jeolla Province, Lee was later transferred to Ewha Womans University Medical Center in Seoul at approximately 4:15 p.m. He sustained fractures in five areas and deep lacerations on his forehead and scalp.
Currently in intensive care, Lee faces a risk of paralysis due to potential neurological damage. In addition, psychiatric care is planned to address the psychological toll of the tragedy.
The second survivor, a female flight attendant identified by her surname Gu, is being treated at Asan Medical Center in Seoul. She sustained head and ankle injuries that are not life-threatening. Medical staff at Asan have declined to provide further details about her condition.
Lee and Gu were the only survivors among the 181 passengers and crew aboard 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 still under investigation, resulting in the deaths of 179 people.
Authorities are conducting identification processes for the victims while investigating the cause of the crash.
The South Korean government has declared a seven-day national mourning period, which will extend until midnight on Jan. 4.
