South Korea Intensifies Probe into Deadly Jeju Air Crash: 179 Lives Lost
MUAN, South Korea — South Korean authorities have launched a major investigation into the tragic crash of a Jeju Air flight on Sunday, which resulted in the deaths of 179 passengers and crew. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft issued a distress call before landing hard and colliding with a barrier, leaving only two flight attendants alive.
Police Raid Jeju Air and Muan International Airport
On Thursday, South Korean police conducted raids on the offices of Jeju Air and Muan International Airport to gather more information about the cause of the disaster. The CEO of Jeju Air, Kim E-bae, has been barred from leaving the country until the investigation concludes.
Police have stated their commitment to thoroughly investigating the accident, aiming to establish the cause and identify responsible parties. The official police statement expressed their determination to “rigorously determine the cause and responsibility for this accident in accordance with the law and principles.”
Mourning Continues at Muan Airport
At Muan airport, the crash site and area surrounding it are still under investigation as soldiers, police, and investigators continue to comb through debris. Monks are conducting prayer ceremonies nearby, and colorful post-it notes with touching messages cover the airport’s stairs.
Visitors leave heartfelt tributes and condolences, including flowers and traditional Korean tteokguk, a rice cake soup traditionally enjoyed during New Year’s Day in South Korea. Some celebrities, such as chefs from Netflix’s “Culinary Class Wars,” have joined volunteers to prepare meals for the victims’ families.
Call for Restrictions on Similar Localizers
Officials have suggested that the accident’s severity may have been mitigated if the concrete barrier at the end of the runway was not present. The investigation is also examining the potential role of a bird strike, which was initially considered a possible cause of the crash.
Tensions have risen concerning the airport’s localizer and similar installations nationwide. South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation will inspect localizers across the country to ensure safety.
South Korea Expands Safety Measures for Boeing 737-800
In the wake of the crash, South Korea will inspect all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by local carriers, with a particular focus on landing gear. The gear appeared to malfunction during the crash, raising serious concerns about aircraft maintenance.
Acting president Choi Sang-mok emphasized the importance of addressing public concerns about the aircraft model, advocating for thorough inspections of maintenance, education, and training for airline crews.
Data Analysis Aids Investigation
The cockpit voice recorder has been extracted and analyzed for initial data, while the flight data recorder, damaged in the crash, will be sent to the United States for further analysis. These records are crucial for government investigators to piece together the chain of events leading up to the disaster.
The Muan International Airport crash is the most significant aviation disaster to occur on South Korean soil. This tragedy has brought renewed focus to aviation safety protocols and maintenance practices in the region.
As the investigation continues, it is vital for people to voice their concerns and respect the memory of those lost. Share your thoughts in the comments below, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and remember to spread awareness on social media using the hashtag #JejuAir.