South Korean authorities began releasing the bodies of victims from the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crash to their families on Tuesday, while investigators worked to determine the cause of the disaster.
The crash, which occurred near Muan in southwestern South Korea, claimed the lives of 179 people on board. The aircraft, traveling from Thailand to South Korea, issued a mayday call before belly-landing, crashing into a barrier, and bursting into flames. Only two survivors, both flight attendants, were pulled from the wreckage.
Investigation Underway
U.S. investigators, including experts from Boeing, have joined South Korean authorities in examining the crash site. Officials have retrieved and begun analyzing the plane’s two black boxes to uncover details of the final moments of Jeju Air Flight 2216.
“Surface contamination cleaning of the black box has been completed,” said Deputy Civil Aviation Minister Joo Jong-wan. However, challenges remain, as the flight data recorder was found with a missing connector, delaying data extraction efforts.
Government Response
Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who assumed office just days before the crash, described the tragedy as a pivotal moment for South Korea’s aviation sector.
“This accident is a turning point,” Choi stated, calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s air safety systems. “We must reexamine the overall aircraft operation system and address any deficiencies immediately.”
Choi also acknowledged the emotional toll of the crash, urging the public to reflect on the challenges of 2024 as the year drew to a close.
Victims and Families
Relatives of the victims, many of whom had been camping out at Muan Airport since the crash, expressed growing frustration over delays in identifying passengers. Transport Minister Park Sang-woo announced Tuesday that the remains of four victims had been handed over to families for funerals, while preparations for the release of 28 more victims’ bodies were underway.
One family suffered an especially devastating loss. Nine members of the Bae family, including the oldest passenger, who was celebrating his first international trip for his birthday, were killed. The only surviving relative, a son-in-law who did not join the trip, was left to grieve the deaths of his wife and three children.
Tributes and Memorials
Tributes to the crew and passengers have poured in. At Muan Airport, mourners left offerings, including food and handwritten letters, at makeshift altars. One note read: “Captain, first officer, and crew members, thank you for doing your best to save the passengers. I pray for your eternal rest.”
Memorial altars have also been set up across South Korea, including in Seoul, while grieving families organized a new altar at Muan Airport adorned with black-and-white funeral flowers.
Awaiting Answers
While families and the nation mourn, investigators are racing against time to piece together the events leading to the crash. A clearer picture is expected once the black boxes’ data has been fully analyzed, providing insights into the catastrophic chain of events.
