South Korean [/b]police have raided the offices of Jeju Air and the operator of Muan International Airport as part of an ongoing investigation into the tragic crash of a Boeing 737-800, which claimed the lives of 179 people. The flight, which was traveling from Thailand to South Korea on Sunday, issued a mayday call shortly before making a belly landing, which ultimately led to the aircraft hitting a concrete barrier at the end of the runway. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of nearly all passengers and crew except for two flight attendants, has sparked a thorough investigation involving both South Korean and U.S. authorities, including Boeing officials.
Authorities have been conducting search and seizure operations at multiple locations, including Muan Airport, where Flight 2216 tragically crashed, as well as at a regional aviation office in the southwestern part of the country and at Jeju Air’s office in Seoul. The goal of the raids is to collect critical evidence that will aid in determining the root cause of the crash. Investigators have been meticulously combing through the crash site, and efforts to decode the black boxes, which were recovered from the wreckage, are already underway.
In a statement issued by the police, it was confirmed that the raids began at 9 AM (0000 GMT) on January 2, and officials vowed to conduct a swift investigation to identify any potential causes and assign responsibility for the accident. The raids were carried out under a warrant issued based on charges of professional negligence resulting in death. This investigation has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, and South Korean authorities have announced plans to inspect all domestic 737-800 aircraft in operation. The focus of the inspection will be on the landing gear, which appears to have malfunctioned during the crash, contributing to the plane’s failure to land safely.
In response to the growing concerns about the safety of the Boeing 737-800 model, Acting President Choi Sang-mok emphasized that immediate action would be necessary if any issues are discovered during the inspections, especially considering the high level of public concern surrounding the recent disaster. South Korean authorities revealed that there are 101 Boeing 737-800s currently in operation by six different airlines, making it crucial to investigate whether there are any widespread safety concerns that need to be addressed.
This tragic incident, which is now recognized as South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster, has shocked the nation. While initial data extraction from the cockpit voice recorder has been completed, the flight data recorder was found to be damaged and will be sent to the United States for further analysis. Although a bird strike was initially suspected, the investigation has now broadened to examine the possibility of a malfunction involving a concrete barrier located at the runway’s end. A dramatic video showing the plane hitting the barrier before bursting into flames has prompted authorities to consider this as a potential contributing factor to the crash.
In addition to the investigation into the crash itself, authorities are also inspecting other airports across the country to assess the safety and adequacy of runway safety installations. This ongoing effort aims to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
As the investigation continues, the families of the victims have been visiting the crash site to mourn their loss. Some have returned the following day to collect their loved ones' belongings from the wreckage. A monk led prayers at the site on Thursday, and mourners have been leaving flowers, food, and emotional messages on post-it notes in remembrance of the victims. Many have shared their grief and fond memories, expressing their sorrow at the loss of life in this tragic event. A handwritten note, believed to be from the pilot’s brother, was placed at the site alongside traditional Korean food, paying tribute to the pilot’s final moments and expressing gratitude for the pilot’s service.
In addition to the heartfelt tributes at the crash site, hundreds of people lined up on Wednesday, a public holiday in South Korea, to pay their respects at a memorial altar set up at the airport. The queues stretched for meters, and the local phone network was overwhelmed with calls as the nation came together to honor the victims. Memorials were also set up across the country to commemorate those who lost their lives in this devastating accident.[/div>
