Police Look Into Jeju Air and Airport Operator After Fatal Plane Crash Claims 179 Lives – One America News Network
OAN Staff James Meyers
2:46 PM – Thursday, January 2, 2025
Authorities in South Korea announced on Thursday that they have conducted searches at Jeju Air and the management of Muan International Airport as they delve into the investigation of the tragic crash on Sunday, which claimed the lives of 179 individuals, marking it as the deadliest plane accident in the nation’s history.
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This development follows the crash of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, which was en route from Bangkok to Muan, as the aircraft belly-landed and failed to stop in time, leading to an explosion after colliding with an embankment.
In a stroke of luck, two crew members situated in the tail section of the Boeing 737-800 were rescued alive by emergency responders, although they sustained injuries.
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement is probing the offices of the airport operator and the transportation ministry’s aviation authority in Muan, as well as Jeju Air’s location in Seoul, according to South Jeolla provincial police.
Investigators intend to confiscate documents and materials pertaining to the airport’s operational protocols, as reported by Reuters.
In the meantime, a spokesperson for Jeju Air stated that the airline is carefully reviewing the incident.
Concerns have also surfaced regarding the embankment, which supports navigation equipment, as critics argue it is excessively rigid and situated too close to the runway’s end.
“This rigid structure proved catastrophic when the aircraft skidded off the runway,” commented Najmedin Meshkati, an engineering professor at the University of Southern California, noting concern over the navigation antenna being mounted on “such a formidable concrete structure, rather than the standard metal tower/pylon installation.”
Additionally, acting President Choi Sang-mok stated that the data from the cockpit voice recorder is anticipated to be converted into an audio file by Friday. This file could hold vital insights regarding the last moments that led to the tragic incident.
During a disaster management meeting, Choi emphasized the need for “immediate action” should the special inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated within the country reveal any issues.
“Given the public concern surrounding the same aircraft model involved in the crash, the transport ministry and affiliated organizations must undertake a comprehensive examination of operational maintenance, education, and training,” Choi remarked.
Furthermore, investigators from the NTSB, FAA, and Boeing are lending their expertise to the ongoing investigation.
Choi also expressed the necessity for increased support for the families of the victims and urged law enforcement to take serious measures against individuals disseminating “malicious” content and false information related to the crash on social media platforms.
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