South Korea’s acting president orders urgent safety inspection after deadly crash

December 30, 2024 – South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has called for an immediate safety inspection of the country’s airliners after a deadly crash at Muan International Airport. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, left 179 dead, including 175 passengers and four crew members. Only two crew members survived.

The Boeing 737-800 aircraft made an emergency landing before skidding off the runway, hitting a concrete wall, and bursting into flames.

Choi said the immediate priority was identifying the victims, supporting their families, and providing treatment for the survivors. "Before final results are confirmed, we will ensure transparency in the investigation and inform the victims' families," he said during a meeting in Seoul.

The Ministry of Transport has launched a special inspection of South Korea’s Boeing 737-800 fleet, focusing on aircraft maintenance and safety procedures. A total of 101 such planes are in operation in the country.

Investigators are considering the possibility of a bird strike as the cause of the crash. The pilot had reported striking birds minutes before the accident, and the airport's control tower issued warnings of a potential bird strike hazard.

Authorities are also questioning why the plane’s landing gear was not deployed. The investigation continues as experts work to determine the exact cause.

The United States has sent a team of investigators to assist with the probe.