In response to the December crash that claimed 179 lives, bereaved families have initiated a criminal complaint against 15 individuals, including the CEO of Jeju Air and South Korea's transport minister. Frustrated by perceived investigative inaction, the families argue that the incident represents a major failure of management oversight, rather than a mere accident.
Jeju Air Crash: Families Demand Accountability from Airline and Government Officials
Jeju Air Crash: Families Demand Accountability from Airline and Government Officials
Families of the victims from the deadly Jeju Air crash have filed a criminal complaint against various officials, including the airline's CEO, citing negligence and demanding accountability for the tragedy.
Families of those who lost their lives in December's Jeju Air plane crash have taken legal action by filing a criminal complaint against 15 individuals, including South Korea’s transport minister and the airline’s CEO, Kim E-bae. The tragic incident, which occurred on December 29, resulted in the deaths of 179 out of 181 people on board, marking it as the most devastating aviation disaster in South Korea's history.
The complaint has been submitted by 72 family members who assert that the crash was "not a simple accident" but rather a "major civic disaster caused by negligent management of preventable risks." They insist that a comprehensive investigation be undertaken, highlighting frustrations over the slow progress since the incident. Despite ongoing police inquiries, no charges have yet been filed, prompting relatives to express their discontent regarding the lack of accountability and transparency.
One family representative, Kim Da-hye, emphasized their resolve in seeking justice, stating, "We are filled with deep anger and despair. Having taken this extraordinary measure of filing a criminal complaint, we will not give up and will continue to pursue the truth." This sentiment reflects a growing resentment among victims' families as they continue to navigate their grief amidst investigations.
Alongside airline executives, the complaint lists officials responsible for crucial areas including construction, supervision, and safety management at the airport. The families are questioning various factors that may have contributed to the disaster, such as the protocol followed by air traffic control and potential regulatory violations concerning runway safety features.
The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, took off from Bangkok and encountered trouble shortly after contacting Muan International Airport. The pilots reportedly struck a bird, leading to a mayday declaration. Subsequent attempts to land resulted in a belly landing without deployed landing gear and the plane subsequently overran the runway, crashing into a concrete structure and catching fire.
Investigators have confirmed the presence of bird feathers in the aircraft's engines but have yet to determine the impact of the bird strike on the incident. Compounding the sorrow of the bereaved families, some have faced online harassment and conspiracy theories questioning their legitimacy as victims. Law enforcement has since apprehended several individuals for making defamatory remarks against the mourning families.
As investigations persist, the quest for truth and accountability underscores the pain felt by those left behind after this tragic event.
