Written By Lisa Murimi

South Korea’s acting President, Choi Sang-mok, ordered an urgent safety inspection of the country’s airline operations on Monday, following the deadliest aviation disaster in the nation’s history. 

Investigators are working to identify victims and uncover the cause of the crash that claimed 179 lives.

Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, belly-landed and skidded off the runway at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning, erupting in flames upon impact with a wall. 

Of the 175 passengers, all were killed, along with four of the six crew members. 

Two crew members survived and are receiving treatment.

Choi emphasized the importance of transparency during the investigation and vowed to support the victims’ families. 

“The top priority is identifying the victims, supporting their families, and treating the survivors,” he said.

The transport ministry is investigating potential causes, including bird strikes and weather conditions. 

Preliminary reports suggest the pilots declared a Mayday shortly after reporting a bird strike, leading to the crash.

Global aviation authorities, including the U.S. the National Transportation Safety Board, are assisting in the investigation. 

Meanwhile, Jeju Air’s stock plummeted to record lows, and Muan Airport remains closed through Wednesday as recovery efforts continue.

The tragedy has left South Korea mourning, with calls for swift action to prevent future disasters.

A 4-year-old girl was allegedly subjected to aggravated torture by her housemaid in Kikoko Zone, Namataba Cell, Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, on the early morning of December 27, 2024.

In the video, Tumwekwase is allegedly seen stretching the child’s body, bending her legs, and severely torturing her.

The victim, identified as Tumwekwase Claire, is currently receiving medical treatment at Nsambya Hospital, where doctors are working tirelessly to address her injuries.

The suspect, 35-year-old Tumuhirwe Precious, fled the scene immediately following the incident but was apprehended days later in Kabale District. She is currently detained at Kabale Central Police Station, with plans in place to transfer her back to Kira Division for further questioning.

Preliminary reports indicate that Mr. Mwesigwa Michael, the victim’s father, has been the primary caregiver for Tumwekwase and her siblings since separating from their mother two years ago. Tumuhirwe had been employed as a housemaid for four years, having been brought into the household through a recommendation from acquaintances in Kabale.

Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this heinous act. The Uganda Police Force has expressed its outrage at the incident, condemning all forms of violence, particularly against children. A spokesperson for the force reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice is served, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of abuse to the nearest police station.

The Jeju airplane crash in South Korea has left 179 of the 181 individuals onboard dead, marking the deadliest aviation disaster in the country’s history.

The Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, returning from Bangkok, Thailand, met a tragic fate as it attempted to land at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, with initial reports suggesting that a bird strike—a collision between the aircraft and a bird—may have played a role.

Bird strikes can be perilous, particularly for turbofan engines like those on the Boeing 737, and pilots receive training to be alert, especially during dawn or dusk when birds are most active. Sadly, on this occasion, the efforts made by air traffic control to warn the pilots of a potential bird encounter came too late.

Witnesses described horrifying scenes as the aircraft struggled to land—two minutes after receiving the warning, the pilot declared a Mayday.

Video footage shows the plane touching down without extending its landing gear, skidding across the runway before crashing into a wall and erupting in flames. Eyewitness accounts reported hearing a loud bang followed by a series of explosions, painting a vivid picture of the chaos that ensued.

Among the victims are passengers returning from holiday, with the youngest just three years old and the oldest 78. The emotional toll has been devastating, with families gathering at Muan International Airport, grappling with loss and uncertainty as they await news about their loved ones. The South Korean government quickly responded by declaring a special disaster zone, enabling access to central government funding for recovery efforts.

Emergency personnel have been working tirelessly, with over 1,500 personnel deployed to search for remains and wreckage. As recovery continues, the grief is palpable.

Jeju Air has expressed its condolences to the victims’ families, emphasizing that this fatal accident is the first in the airline’s 18-year history. Simultaneously, Boeing has offered its sympathies to those affected.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, South Korea has entered a period of national mourning, a somber reminder of the fragility of life. Acting President Choi Sang-mok has vowed to support the injured and bereaved as the nation grapples with this heartbreaking loss.