Seventy-two families of deceased passengers from a tragic Jeju Air incident are seeking justice and a thorough investigation into the crash, asserting that it was a result of systemic failures rather than mere accident.
Families Demand Accountability in Jeju Air Crash Complaint Against Officials
Families Demand Accountability in Jeju Air Crash Complaint Against Officials
Victims' relatives file criminal complaint alleging negligence in December plane disaster.
In a significant legal move, 72 families of the victims from the tragic Jeju Air plane crash that occurred on December 29th have lodged a criminal complaint against 15 individuals. Among those named are South Korea's transport minister and Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae, claiming professional negligence in managing preventable risks involved in aviation safety. The crash took place at Muan International Airport, resulting in 179 fatalities out of 181 passengers, making it the deadliest aviation accident in South Korean history.
These bereaved families assert that the crash transcended a mere accident, characterizing it as a "major civic disaster" linked to the negligence of multiple parties, including airline and government officials tasked with safety oversight. Five months since the ill-fated incident, investigations have yet to identify the root causes of the crash that occurred shortly after the aircraft departed Bangkok.
The police had previously initiated a criminal probe regarding the crash and have currently placed Jeju Air's CEO on a travel ban, but so far, no indictments have been made. Relatives, invoking deep frustration and despair over the slow progress of investigations, argue that they will relentlessly pursue the truth regarding the unfortunate incident. One of the relatives, Kim Da-hye, has made it clear that they will not relent until they uncover the circumstances that led to the crash.
The complaint not only targets the CEO of Jeju Air but also includes other officials responsible for various aspects such as airport management and safety protocols. Key issues highlighted include whether air traffic control adequately responded during the emergency and if safety standards were violated during runway construction.
On that fateful day, the Boeing 737-800 aircraft reported striking a bird shortly before attempting to land, leading the pilots to declare a mayday. Tragically, attempts to land without the landing gear deployed resulted in a crash, where the plane overran the runway, subsequently colliding with a concrete structure and igniting in flames. Investigators have confirmed that bird feathers were discovered in the engines, although their direct impact on the crash remains inconclusive.
In the wake of the disaster, bereaved families have faced backlash online, targeted by malicious conspiracy theories claiming their victimization was disingenuous. Authorities have since arrested several individuals for making such derogatory online remarks, underscoring the complex emotional and social repercussions faced by those impacted by the tragedy.
