Acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered an urgent safety inspection of South Korea’s entire airline operation system following the country’s deadliest air disaster.
The tragedy involved a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 that belly-landed, skidded off the runway, and erupted into flames at Muan International Airport on Sunday. All 175 passengers and four of the six crew members aboard the flight perished, leaving the nation in mourning.
Seven Days of Mourning
South Korea has declared a seven-day mourning period for the victims, which included five children, the youngest being just three years old.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are working to uncover the cause of the crash, which came days after another fatal aviation accident involving an Azerbaijan Airlines flight in Kazakhstan.
“Transparency in the investigation process is critical, and we must promptly inform the grieving families,” Mr. Choi stated during a disaster management meeting in Seoul.
Comprehensive Aircraft Inspections
The Transport Ministry has been tasked with conducting an emergency inspection of all South Korean airline operations to prevent similar tragedies. Authorities are considering special inspections of the 101 Boeing 737-800 aircraft currently operated by South Korean airlines.
Another Incident Raises Concerns
In a separate incident, another Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 was forced to return to Gimpo International Airport due to a landing gear issue shortly after takeoff. The captain identified the problem and safely returned the aircraft for a thorough inspection.
Bird Strike Reported Before Crash
The ill-fated Jeju Air flight was arriving from Bangkok when the pilots reported a bird strike during their approach. Air traffic control had warned the crew about bird activity in the vicinity. The flight data recorder has been recovered, but authorities are uncertain if the data is intact enough for analysis.
Impact on Victims and Operations
Most of the victims were South Korean residents returning from holidays in Thailand, along with two Thai nationals. Efforts are ongoing to identify remains, as devastated families await updates at the airport.
Muan International Airport remains closed until Thursday, but other airports, including Incheon International Airport, continue normal operations.
