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.
