South Korea Begins Returning Bodies of Jeju Air Crash Victims to Families
South Korean authorities began releasing the bodies of victims from the Jeju Air crash to their families on Tuesday, as investigators work to determine the cause of the crash that left a Boeing 737-800 plane engulfed in flames after it crash-landed.
US investigators, including representatives from Boeing, arrived at the crash site in southwestern Muan as South Korean authorities began reviewing the two black boxes recovered from the wreckage.
The plane, carrying 181 people from Thailand to South Korea, made a mayday call before belly-landing and crashing into a barrier, bursting into flames. All passengers, except for two flight attendants rescued from the wreckage, died.
The country is observing a seven-day mourning period, with flags flying at half-mast. Acting President Choi Sang-mok, in office since Friday, called for a complete overhaul of the country’s air safety systems, urging officials to reassess aircraft operation protocols and address necessary improvements.
“Today marks the final day of 2024,” he said, urging the nation to reflect on the past year and prepare for the new one.
At Muan airport, investigators continued their work around the wreckage, while families of the victims left offerings, including food and letters, as they awaited the identification process to be completed. Despite delays in identifying all passengers, officials confirmed the release of the first bodies to the families for funeral arrangements.
Transport Minister Park Sang-woo announced that four bodies had been handed over to their families, and the remains of 28 identified victims would begin funeral procedures. One family tragically lost nine members in the crash, including the oldest passenger, who was making his first overseas trip to celebrate his birthday.
Memorial altars have been set up across the country, including in Seoul, and families at Muan airport have begun preparing a new altar for their loved ones.
Investigations continue as authorities analyze the flight’s black boxes. The flight data recorder is still under evaluation, with technical reviews ongoing to retrieve crucial data.
