South Korea is in mourning following the plane crash in Muan. Investigations into what caused the crash are still ongoing. Only two people were able to survive. The government wants to examine all Boeing 737s, among other things. Choi Sang Mok, the caretaker President of South Korea, has declared a seven-day national mourning period in response to the plane crash that killed 179 people. He also discussed with the Speaker of Parliament Woo Won Schik aid measures to help the victims. Choi was to hold a memorial at the accident site in Muan, in the south-west part of the country. The flags were lowered to half-mast.
The investigation into the cause of this accident is ongoing. Yonhap reported, citing information from the Ministry of Transport that the pilots of plane involved in accident reported a bird attack shortly before the crash. The pilots called an emergency mayday because of a collision with a bird. This confirms that a bird strike may have been linked to the problems of the landing gear on the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 which crashed at Muan airport on Sunday morning, on its way from Thailand. The plane crashed off the runway and into a wall, catching fire. Rescue services claim that only two people were saved. 179 of 181 passengers died. The survivors are believed crew members.
Ministry of Transport to inspect vehicles
According to authorities, the tower warned of birds shortly prior to the crash. Investigators hope that the two recovered recorders will provide more information, as one was damaged during the crash. Yonhap reported that the analysis could take several months. The Ministry of Transportation announced plans to conduct a special inspection of 101 Boeing 737 aircraft currently in service in Korea.
This includes checking maintenance and utilization rates. US investigators, perhaps with the assistance of Boeing, are also reportedly involved in the probe, according to reports. Boeing contacted the airline soon after the accident, according to dpa.
Identification of some victims is possible
According to authorities, 141 people have been identified using DNA samples or fingerprints. According to the fire department’s spokesman, the fire made identifying all victims difficult. According to official reports, there were only Koreans on board. Two Thais were also aboard. The departing US president Joe Biden sent his thoughts and prayers to those who were affected by the tragedy.
The southwest incident is considered to be the deadliest aircraft accident on South Korean soil. There was a great deal of sadness at airport after the accident. The airline apologized and the boss accepted responsibility. The accident happened in South Korea during the national crisis that saw President Yoon Suk Yeol suspended.
