US sends South Korea investigators to probe deadly plane crash
The tragic plane crash that occurred at Muan airport in South Korea has left the nation reeling, with a death toll of 179 people making it the deadliest aviation disaster in decades. The United States has dispatched investigators to assist in determining the cause of the crash, which saw a Jeju Air plane crash-land and collide with a concrete barrier.
Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to identify the victims, with over 600 body parts recovered from the crash site. Despite the grim task at hand, 141 bodies have been identified so far, ranging in age from a 3-year-old child to a 78-year-old passenger.
Among the 181 individuals on board the ill-fated flight, only two flight attendants, Lee and Kwon, managed to survive. Lee sustained a fractured shoulder and head injuries, while Kwon suffered a scalp laceration, a fractured ankle, and abdominal pain. Both survivors are currently receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition.
In response to the tragedy, South Korea’s Transport Ministry has announced plans to conduct safety inspections on all 101 Boeing 737-800 jetliners operated by the country’s airlines. Additionally, a broader review of safety standards at Jeju Air, which operates 39 of these planes, will be carried out with the assistance of U.S. investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing.
The crash has sparked national mourning and raised questions about the government’s ability to handle the disaster amidst ongoing political turmoil. Acting President Choi Sang-mok has called for a thorough review of the country’s aviation safety systems to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, the South Korean government faces the daunting task of returning the remains of the victims to their families. With the nation in mourning and questions swirling about the safety and regulatory oversight of the aviation industry, the aftermath of this tragedy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on South Korea.
