South Korean Police Raid Airline Offices in Jeju Air Crash Investigation

South Korean police launched a raid on Thursday on the offices of Jeju Air and Muan International Airport. This action is part of an extensive investigation into the tragic crash of a Boeing 737-800 plane that claimed the lives of 179 passengers and crew members.

Raid Details and Objectives

Authorities carried out search and seizure operations at Muan airport, where Flight 2216 crashed, as well as at Jeju Air’s headquarters in Seoul. The search warrant was issued based on charges of professional negligence resulting in death.

“The police plan to swiftly and rigorously determine the cause and responsibility for this accident in accordance with the law and principles,” stated a police spokesperson in a press release.

Crash Overview

Flight 2216 departed from Udon Thani, Thailand, headed to Jeju Island, South Korea. On Sunday, the plane issued an emergency call, belly-landed, and hit a barrier at Muan International Airport, killing 179 people on board. Only two flight attendants managed to survive the crash.

Investigation Efforts

Both South Korean and U.S. authorities, including investigators from Boeing, have been meticulously examining the crash site since the incident. The two black boxes, crucial for understanding the accident, have been recovered, and the investigation is ongoing.

The initial extraction of data from the cockpit voice recorder was completed, while the flight data recorder, which sustained damage, was prepared for analysis by U.S. experts.

Boeing 737-800 Inspection

Following the incident, South Korea announced plans to inspect all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by airlines in the country. Particular attention is being paid to the landing gear, which appears to have malfunctioned during the crash.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok emphasized the importance of immediate action if any issues with the aircraft are found. He directed the transport ministry to conduct thorough inspections of maintenance procedures, crew education, and training.

Mourning at the Crash Site

As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the loss. Families of the victims traveled to Muan International Airport for the first time on Wednesday to pay their respects. Many returned the following day, some carrying cardboard boxes to collect personal belongings.

The airport witnessed a scene of grief with prayers being led, colorful notes left on stairs, and flowers arranged near the crash site. One mourner left a hand-written note for the pilot’s brother, expressing deep sorrow and gratitude for his actions.

The local media reported that on Wednesday, hundreds of people lined up to honor the victims at a memorial altar set up at the airport. The queue stretched over hundreds of meters, and the local cell phone network was overloaded due to the high volume of visitors.

Broader Implications and Airport Safety

In light of the accident, South Korea also plans to evaluate the installation of concrete barriers at airports nationwide. The concrete barriers are suspected of contributing to the severity of the crash, as the aircraft hit one before bursting into flames.

The tragic event has drawn significant attention not only in South Korea but also internationally, underscoring the importance of aviation safety and the need for thorough investigations into such incidents.

Conclusion

The raid on Jeju Air and Muan International Airport marks a crucial step towards uncovering the truth behind this devastating crash. As investigators continue their work, the nation remains focused on understanding how such an accident could occur and how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The resilience of the South Korean people in the face of this tragedy serves as a testament to the strength and unity of the nation.

Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation unfolds. We encourage you to share your thoughts and reactions below.

Police officers conduct a raid at Muan International Airport in Muan, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on 2 January 2025. (YONHAP / AFP)

AFP

Join the Conversation

We would love to hear your thoughts on this tragic event and the ongoing investigation. Please leave your comments below, share this article on your social media platforms, and subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on subjects that matter.