In the wake of the deadliest plane crash in South Korea‘s history, which claimed the lives of 179 individuals, the nation’s acting leader has mandated an urgent safety inspection across all airline operations.
A Jeju Air aircraft caught fire during a crash landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea, resulting in the tragic loss of all passengers except for two crew members who survived the incident.
President Choi Sang-mok urged investigators to reveal their findings to the families mourning swiftly.
His request follows an incident involving another Jeju Air flight, which returned to Seoul shortly after takeoff on Monday because of an unidentified landing gear issue.
On Monday, a Jeju Air flight took off from Gimpo International Airport at 06:35 local time (21:35 GMT Sunday). Still, it made a return less than an hour later due to a mechanical defect related to the landing gear, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.
Landing gear encompasses an aircraft’s wheels and various components that provide support during critical phases such as takeoff, taxiing, and landing.
A Boeing B737-800 aircraft made a return, identical to the model involved in Sunday’s tragic incident.
In Jeju Air’s fleet, 39 of 41 aircraft are of this model.
In the aftermath of Sunday’s tragic crash, Boeing announced that it was in communication with Jeju Air and expressed its readiness to provide support.
A report from Yonhap news agency indicates that the 179 passengers aboard flight 7C2216 ranged in age from three to 78 years, with the majority falling within the 40s, 50s, and 60s age brackets. Authorities have reported that two Thai nationals are among the deceased, while the remaining victims are believed to be South Korean.
On Sunday, a plane encountered a tragic incident as it skidded off the runway upon landing, crashing into a wall shortly after 09:00 local time (00:00 GMT).
A transport official from South Korea reported that the aircraft was in the process of landing when it was instructed to delay its approach due to a warning from air traffic control regarding the potential for a bird strike, indicating a risk of collision with birds.
An official reported that air traffic command subsequently authorized the aircraft to approach for landing from the opposite direction.
During a press conference on Sunday, the airline’s executives offered a formal apology, demonstrating their remorse with deep bows.
We extend our sincerest apologies to everyone impacted by the incident. “The firm will make every effort to resolve the situation.”
On Monday, Jeju Air shares declined approximately 8% in trading on the Seoul stock exchange.
The accident marks a significant national tragedy for South Korea, facing political upheaval following the parliamentary vote to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol and his interim successor, Han Duck-soo.
Acting President Choi, who assumed the interim position last Friday, expressed his heartbrokenness over the recent accident.
“Addressing the citizens of our nation, the acting president expressed deep sorrow as the country grapples with an unexpected tragedy in the context of ongoing economic challenges,” he stated.
