South Korea’s interim leader has mandated an urgent safety review of the nation’s airline operations following a tragic plane crash that claimed 179 lives.
A Jeju Air aircraft erupted in flames as it crash-landed at Muan International Airport, leaving only two survivors. Acting President Choi Sang-mok has directed investigators to swiftly release their findings to the victims’ families. His directive comes on the heels of another Jeju Air flight, which returned to Seoul shortly after takeoff on Monday due to an unspecified landing gear issue.
On Monday, the Jeju Air flight departed from Gimpo International Airport at 06:35 local time (21:35 GMT Sunday) but returned within an hour after detecting a mechanical defect related to the landing gear, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency. Landing gear comprises the wheels and supporting structures necessary for a plane’s takeoff, taxiing, and landing.
The aircraft that returned was a Boeing B737-800, the same model involved in Sunday’s fatal crash. Thirty-nine of Jeju Air’s 41 aircraft are of this model. Following the disaster, Boeing announced its support for Jeju Air, stating it was ready to assist.
Flight 7C2216 carried 179 passengers aged between three and 78, with most in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, as reported by Yonhap. Among the deceased were two Thai nationals, while the rest were believed to be South Korean.
On Sunday, the ill-fated plane skidded off the runway and collided with a wall shortly after 09:00 local time (00:00 GMT). A South Korean transport official indicated that the plane was attempting to land but was delayed by air traffic control due to a bird strike warning. Permission was later granted for the plane to land from the opposite direction.
At a press conference on Sunday, Jeju Air executives expressed profound remorse. “We deeply apologise to all those affected by the incident. We will make every effort to resolve the situation,” the company stated. Jeju Air shares fell by approximately 8% in Seoul on Monday.
This accident is a national calamity for South Korea, which is currently navigating political instability following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol and the succession of Han Duck-soo. Acting President Choi, who assumed office only on Friday, expressed his sorrow over the tragedy. “To the honourable citizens of our nation, as acting president, my heart aches as we face this unforeseen tragedy amid recent economic hardships,” he stated.
Frances Ibiefo
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