Plane Crash in South Korea: Investigation Underway as Families Receive Bodies
Tragedy Strikes
South Korean authorities began releasing the bodies of plane crash victims to families on Tuesday, as investigators raced to determine why the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crash landed and burst into flames. The plane was carrying 181 people from Thailand to South Korea when it made a mayday call and belly-landed before crashing into a barrier and bursting into flames.
Investigation Ongoing
US investigators, including from Boeing, arrived at the crash site in southwestern Muan, officials said, as South Korean authorities began assessing two black boxes retrieved from the burned-out wreckage of the aircraft. The black boxes are expected to provide a fuller account of what went wrong in the flight’s final moments.
Mourning and Condolences
South Korea is observing seven days of mourning, with flags flying at half-mast. Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who has only been in office since Friday, said the accident was a "turning point" for the country, calling for a full overhaul of air safety systems. He urged officials to "thoroughly reexamine the overall aircraft operation system… and immediately address any necessary improvements."
Families Grieve
At Muan airport, investigators combed over the wrecked fuselage and soldiers picked carefully through the fields around the airport Tuesday, as people left ritual offerings for victims — including food and letters — near the airport’s perimeter. Inside the airport, where victims’ relatives have been camped out since Sunday, waiting for information, anger was growing over delays in identifying passengers on the doomed plane.
Bodies Released
Officials said they had begun releasing the first bodies to relatives, even as work to identify all victims continued. "Of the 179 victims, the bodies of four have completed the handover procedures to their bereaved families for funerals," transport minister Park Sang-woo said at Muan airport Tuesday. "For 28 victims, whose identities have been confirmed and autopsies completed, we will allow funeral procedures to begin from 2 pm (0500 GMT) today with the consent of their families," he added.
Heartbreaking Stories
One family lost nine members — including the oldest passenger on the plane, who was taking his first-ever overseas trip to celebrate his birthday, local broadcaster KBC reported. The passenger, surnamed Bae, was travelling with his wife, his two daughters, one son-in-law, and four grandchildren, including a five-year-old. The entire family was killed, with only one of the daughter’s husbands — who was not able to join the trip — left behind to face the loss of his wife and three children.
Memorial Altars
Memorial altars for the victims have been set up nationwide, including in Seoul. At Muan airport, families were overseeing the set-up of a new altar Tuesday, with black-and-white funeral flowers filling the area.
Conclusion
The tragic plane crash has left a trail of devastation and heartbreak in its wake. As the investigation continues, it is clear that the families of the victims will need support and guidance in the coming days and weeks. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
FAQs
Q: How many people were on board the plane?
A: 181 people were on board the plane.
Q: How many people survived the crash?
A: Two flight attendants were pulled from the wreckage, but everyone else on board was killed.
Q: What caused the plane to crash?
A: The cause of the crash is still unknown and is being investigated by authorities.
Q: When will the black boxes be analyzed?
A: The black boxes are currently being assessed and analyzed, and a fuller account of what went wrong in the flight’s final moments is expected once the analysis is complete.