Mon Dec 30 15:13:08 UTC 2024: ## South Korea Mourns After Deadly Plane Crash; Nationwide Safety Probe Ordered
**Muan, South Korea** – South Korea is in mourning following a devastating plane crash that killed 179 people on Sunday. Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800 en route from Bangkok, Thailand, crashed while landing near Muan, approximately 290km south of Seoul. Only two crew members survived.
The aircraft, carrying 181 passengers and crew, overshot the runway and burst into flames after a belly landing, with its landing gear apparently not deployed. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but authorities are exploring several possibilities, including a possible bird strike reported by the pilot shortly before the crash. Investigators have secured the flight data and cockpit voice recorders.
The incident has prompted Acting President Choi Sang-mok to order a comprehensive investigation into the crash and a nationwide review of the country’s airline safety systems. All Boeing 737-800 aircraft operating in South Korea are undergoing emergency inspections. This follows a separate incident on Monday where another Jeju Air flight returned to base due to a mechanical issue.
The disaster has sparked outrage among grieving families, who are criticizing the slow pace of body identification and release. Authorities are working to identify the victims, many of whose remains were severely damaged in the crash. Only a small number of bodies were released on Monday, leading to protests and demands for quicker action and compensation from Jeju Air.
The seven-day national mourning period declared by the government underscores the severity of the tragedy, which is considered one of South Korea’s worst aviation disasters. The investigation is expected to take several weeks, raising concerns amidst the country’s current political turmoil following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol and Acting President Han Duck-soo.
First Piper 