South Korea to launch air safety probe after deadly crash
Photo: Authorities will inspect airplanes (Getty Images)
Yesterday, on December 29, South Korea experienced the deadliest aviation disaster in its history. In response, authorities have announced a comprehensive review of the country’s aviation safety system, reports Reuters.
Acting President of South Korea, Choi Sang-mok, has ordered an emergency safety inspection of the nation’s airline operations. The review will begin immediately after recovery efforts are completed following the Jeju Air crash.
During a disaster response meeting in Seoul, Choi emphasized that the current priority is identifying the victims, supporting their families, and ensuring medical care for the two survivors. He stressed that no resources would be spared in these efforts.
"Even before the final results are out, we ask that officials transparently disclose the accident investigation process and promptly inform the bereaved families. As soon as the accident recovery is conducted, the Transport Ministry is requested to conduct an emergency safety inspection of the entire aircraft operation system to prevent recurrence of aircraft accidents," he said.
What preceded
On December 29, a Jeju Air flight arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted to land at Muan International Airport in southern South Korea. During the landing, the aircraft skidded on its belly and overshot the runway, crashing into a wall and exploding.
The crash claimed the lives of 179 of the 181 people on board. Only two crew members survived and are currently receiving treatment for their injuries.
Firefighters stated that investigators are examining possible causes, including a bird strike or adverse weather conditions. However, aviation experts have raised critical questions. In particular, why the plane was flying so fast and why its landing gear was not released when it began to slide down the runway and eventually crashed.
