Search Operations Concluded at Jeju Air Plane Crash Site
MUAN, South Korea – Authorities have concluded the search operations at the Jeju Air plane crash site, a week after the fatal accident that claimed 179 lives, as the recovery process was nearing its end, officials said.
Final Search Completed
According to Yonhap news agency, a firefighting agency, police, and the national forensic team completed the final search on and around the tail section of the Jeju Air plane – the only part that remained intact from the crash and explosion – late Saturday night, officials said. Authorities said any additional discovery of bodies or personal items was unlikely.
Background of the Crash
The Jeju Air plane, carrying 181 people returning from Bangkok, crashed while landing at Muan International Airport in the southwestern county of Muan on December 29, killing all but two aboard. Search operations took place over the past week to retrieve the victims, while a joint investigation team carried out an on-site probe into the cause of the crash.
Recovery Efforts
All 179 bodies have been recovered, and 151 of them have been returned to their families, along with their personal belongings that have been identified, it reported. Excluding a family of three, the remaining 25 bodies were expected to be returned to their families later in the day.
Conclusion
The conclusion of the search operations marks the end of a difficult and tragic chapter for the families of the victims. As the recovery process comes to a close, the focus will now shift to the investigation into the cause of the crash, with the aim of preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many people were killed in the crash?
A: 179 people were killed in the crash.
Q: How many bodies have been recovered?
A: All 179 bodies have been recovered.
Q: How many personal items have been identified and returned to families?
A: 151 personal items have been identified and returned to families.
Q: How many families are still waiting to receive the remains of their loved ones?
A: 25 families are still waiting to receive the remains of their loved ones.
Q: What is the next step in the investigation?
A: The joint investigation team will continue to probe into the cause of the crash, with the aim of preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future.
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