A Korean Air flight bound for Taichung, Taiwan experienced a terrifying emergency when it rapidly descended 26,900 feet in just 15 minutes, resulting in the hospitalization of 17 passengers. The flight, KE189, departed from Incheon International Airport with 125 passengers onboard. Nearly 50 minutes into the flight, a fault in the Boeing 737 Max 8’s pressurization system triggered alarms, leading to the rapid descent. Passengers on board described scenes of panic and distress, with oxygen masks deployed and children crying during the sudden plunge. Once the flight safely landed in Taichung, 17 passengers required medical attention for hyperventilation and ear pain. Despite the harrowing ordeal, no major injuries were reported. Korean Air conducted investigations into the incident and resumed the flight with a different aircraft the next morning. The airline is working to determine the cause of the pressurization system malfunction to prevent future occurrences. This incident follows other recent aviation emergencies, including a Singapore Airlines flight that offered compensation to passengers injured during severe turbulence and a previous Korean Airlines incident at New Chitose Airport. The safety and well-being of passengers remain a top priority for airlines in the wake of unexpected emergencies.
