Photo: JUNG YEON-JE / AFP / Getty Images
South Korean police conducted raids on Jeju Air and Muan International Airport on Thursday (January 2) as part of an investigation into a tragic plane crash. The crash involved a Boeing 737-800 that was en route from Thailand to South Korea, carrying 181 people. The aircraft issued a mayday call before belly-landing and crashing into a barrier, resulting in the deaths of 179 individuals. Two flight attendants were the only survivors pulled from the burning wreckage.
Authorities carried out search and seizure operations at Muan International Airport, a regional aviation office, and Jeju Air's office in Seoul. According to police, the raids were conducted to determine the cause and responsibility for the accident. The search warrant was issued on charges of professional negligence resulting in death.
Investigators from South Korea and the United States, including representatives from Boeing, are examining the crash site. Both black boxes have been recovered, and decoding work is ongoing. The South Korean government has announced plans to inspect all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by its carriers, focusing on the landing gear, which is suspected to have malfunctioned during the crash.
South Korea's acting president, Choi Sang-mok, emphasized the need for immediate action if any issues with the aircraft model are uncovered. He stated that the transport ministry and relevant agencies must conduct thorough inspections of operation maintenance, education, and training. This incident marks the worst aviation disaster on South Korean soil.
