Tue Dec 31 03:16:02 UTC 2024: ## South Korea Reels from Deadly Plane Crash Amidst Political Turmoil
**Seoul, South Korea** – A Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air crashed at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024, killing 179 people in South Korea’s worst aviation disaster in decades. The incident has sparked a national outpouring of grief and raised serious questions about aviation safety and governmental preparedness amidst an ongoing political crisis.
The plane, carrying 192 passengers and crew, aborted its initial landing attempt before experiencing a reported bird strike warning during its second attempt. It subsequently landed without its front landing gear deployed, overshooting the runway and catching fire. Investigators are examining various potential causes, including possible hydraulic failure, engine trouble, and communication issues between air traffic control and the pilots. The possibility of a malfunction in the airport’s runway approach system is also under scrutiny.
The crash occurred as South Korea grapples with a leadership vacuum following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, stemming from the controversial imposition of martial law earlier this month. Acting President Choi Sang-mok has convened a task force to investigate the crash and ordered a comprehensive review of the nation’s aviation safety systems.
The South Korean Transport Ministry announced plans to inspect all 101 Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated domestically, alongside a broader review of Jeju Air’s safety standards. Representatives from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing are participating in the investigation, which is expected to take several months.
The recovery efforts are underway, but the severity of the damage to the aircraft has complicated the identification and return of the victims’ remains. Bereaved families are expressing frustration over the slow pace of the process.
The tragedy has reignited public anxieties about safety and regulatory oversight in South Korea, following previous major incidents including a 2022 Halloween crowd crush and a 2014 ferry sinking. Concerns are also being raised about the government’s ability to effectively manage this crisis amidst the ongoing political instability. A seven-day national mourning period has been declared.
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