OAN Staff James Myers
2:46 PM – Thursday, January 2, 2025
South Korean police said Thursday they had raided Jeju Air and its operator, Muan International Airport, as part of an investigation into Sunday's horrific crash that killed 179 people in the country's worst plane crash.
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This comes after Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, which departed from Bangkok and headed to Muan in southwestern South Korea, made a belly landing, overshot the runway at a local airport, crashed into an embankment and immediately burst into flames.
Two lucky crew members sitting in the back of the Boeing 737-800 were miraculously pulled out alive by paramedics despite their injuries.
According to Jeollanam-do Police, as the investigation continues, police are searching the offices of the airport operator and the Ministry of Transport aviation authority in Muan, as well as Jeju Air's offices in Seoul.
Investigators plan to seize documents and materials related to the operation of airport facilities. Reuters Reported.
Meanwhile, a Jeju Air spokesperson announced that the airline is monitoring the situation.
Many have also begun to focus on the levee itself, which is designed to support navigational equipment, arguing that it is too stiff and too close to the end of the runway.
“This rigid structure proved catastrophic in the event of a skidding aircraft collision,” said Najmeddin Meshkati, a professor at the University of Southern California's School of Engineering. “It's concerning that it was installed in such a terrifying concrete structure instead of being installed in the building,” he added. Installation of metal towers/pylons. ”
Meanwhile, Acting President Choi Sang-mok announced that the conversion of data from cockpit voice recorders to audio files must be completed by Friday. The converted files can provide important information about the last few minutes that led to the scary crash.
Choi told a disaster management meeting that “immediate action” must be taken if a special inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft in service in the country reveals any problems.
Choi said, “The public is concerned because the same model of aircraft caused an accident, and the Ministry of Transportation and related organizations must conduct a thorough inspection of operations, maintenance, and education and training.''
Additionally, investigators from the NTSB, FAA, and Boeing are assisting in the investigation.
Mr Choi later appealed for further support to comfort the victims' families. He also called on police to take serious action against those posting “malicious” messages and fake news related to the accident on social media platforms.
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