SEOUL – South Korea’s Acting President Choi Sang-mok emphasized the importance of immediate action being taken if a special inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated in the country reveals any issues. The comment comes as authorities investigate the deadly air crash on Sunday, which resulted in the loss of 175 lives.
The Jeju Air flight, which carried 175 passengers and six crew members, crashed and burst into flames after belly-landing at Muan International Airport. Two crew members survived, but all six crew members on board did not. The aircraft’s flight data recorder is being taken to the United States for analysis in cooperation with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.
The investigation into the accident has focused on the navigation equipment embankment, which experts believe may have been built too close to the end of the runway. The aircraft’s flight data recorder, which sustained damage, is also being analyzed.
Choi urged the transport ministry and relevant organizations to conduct a thorough inspection of operation, maintenance, education, and training of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft. He also called for no effort to be spared in helping the families of the victims, and for police to take action against anyone posting “malicious” messages and fake news on social media related to the disaster.