South Korea completes identification of all 179 victims of Jeju Air plane crash. Authorities are focusing on the cause of the tragedy, with safety concerns about the airport’s runway design.
South Korea's Acting President, Choi Sang-mok, confirmed that all 179 victims of the Jeju Air Flight 2216 crash had been identified, with their bodies returned to families for funeral services. "Identification of all 179 victims was completed overnight," Choi said. "The bodies have been transferred to their family members, and funeral services have started after the bodies arrived at funeral halls."
The disaster, which occurred on Sunday, claimed 179 lives, making it one of the deadliest aviation accidents in South Korea's history. The Boeing, en route from Thailand, crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport, skidding off the runway, crashing into a concrete embankment, and exploding.
Authorities, including experts from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing, are investigating the cause of the crash. "Currently, South Korea's investigators, along with the U.S. NTSB and the manufacturer, are conducting a joint investigation into the cause of the accident," Choi said. "The cause will be revealed after thoroughly analyzing the aircraft, fuselage, and black box."
In response, the South Korean government has pledged a full safety review of its airports and airline fleet. Inspections of all Boeing 737-800s are underway, and the Transport Ministry will reassess airport regulations to ensure international compliance.
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