SEOUL: South Korean police have conducted raids on Jeju Air and Mu'an International Airport's management company as part of a comprehensive investigation into the country's deadliest aviation disaster, which claimed 179 lives. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has prompted an urgent probe into the operational and maintenance protocols of the airline and airport facilities.
According to Thai News Agency, police investigators targeted the offices of the airport's management company, the aviation department of the Ministry of Transport in Mu'an, and Jeju Air's office in Seoul. The raids aimed to collect documents and evidence pertinent to the aircraft's maintenance and the airport's operational standards. This swift action underscores the urgency with which authorities are approaching the investigation to ascertain the causes behind the tragic crash.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok addressed the nation, noting that the cockpit voice recorder from the ill-fated flight would be converted into audio files by Friday. These files are expected to shed light on the crucial moments leading up to the crash. However, a transportation ministry official stated that public release of these audio files might be restricted, given their significance to the ongoing investigation. Additionally, the flight data recorder, which suffered damage, will be sent to the United States for thorough analysis.
In a bid to ensure aviation safety, Acting President Choi announced that a special inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft in South Korea would be conducted. Should this inspection reveal any anomalies, authorities have pledged to take immediate corrective measures, emphasizing the priority given to public safety and confidence in air travel.