South Korea Mourns Victims of Muan Tragedy
South Korea has declared a week-long mourning period for the 179 victims of the Muan airport plane crash, the deadliest in the nation’s history. Memorial events are being held at the Muan Sports Arena, drawing hundreds of mourners. Authorities have launched a large-scale investigation into the tragedy, which is suspected to have been caused by landing gear failure and a bird strike.
Chronology of the Crash
Incident Details:
- A Boeing aircraft operated by Jeju Air, traveling from Bangkok, crashed while landing in Muan on December 29.
- The plane failed to decelerate, overshot the runway, collided with a concrete barrier, and caught fire.
- Out of 181 people on board, only two crew members survived.
Footage of the Crash:
- Videos show the plane moving at high speed, with its landing gear reportedly not deployed.
- Witnesses reported the right engine on fire before the crash.
Black Boxes:
- Both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were recovered and are being analyzed by specialists.
Reaction from Authorities and Society
Declared Mourning:
- National flags have been lowered, and memorials have been set up in major cities, including Seoul and Muan.
- Acting President Choi Sang Mok laid a white rose in tribute to the victims.
Official Statements:
- Choi Sang Mok emphasized the need for a transparent investigation and timely updates for the families of the victims.
- The runway at Muan airport will remain closed until January 1 for forensic examinations.
International Response:
- Condolences were offered by leaders from Thailand, Japan, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Pope Francis.
- The Prime Minister of Thailand confirmed the presence of two Thai nationals on board.
Company Statements and Consequences
Jeju Air:
- The airline issued a "deep apology" and accepted full responsibility for the incident.
- Safety inspections are expected to be strengthened.
Boeing:
- The manufacturer expressed readiness to assist in investigating the crash.
Investigation:
- The Ministry of Transport is investigating potential causes, including landing gear failure and a bird strike.
Context of the Tragedy
Deadliest Air Crash in South Korean History:
- Previously, the most significant tragedy was the 2002 crash of a Boeing 767, which claimed 129 lives.
Aviation Safety:
- Authorities have ordered a comprehensive review of safety protocols for all domestic flights.
Conclusion:
South Korea mourns the victims of a national tragedy. As families demand transparency, the authorities and airline pledge to enhance safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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