Jeju Air Crash: Families Seek Justice in Wake of Fatal Disaster

Legal Action Launched Against Government Officials and Airline Representatives After December's Tragic Incident

SEOUL: Following the devastating Jeju Air plane crash in December, families of the victims have initiated a criminal complaint against 15 individuals, including South Korean government officials and airline safety representatives, according to their lawyers on Tuesday, May 13th.

The legal action, spearheaded by the families of 72 victims, targets officials such as Transport Minister Park Sang-woo, alleging negligence in managing safety risks and violations of the Aviation Safety Act.

The crash at South Korea's Muan Airport on December 29th claimed the lives of 179 people, marking it as the deadliest air disaster in the country's history.

A statement released by the bereaved families' lawyers emphasized the need for a more comprehensive investigation. This includes scrutinizing the decision-making process regarding the immediate return to land following a bird strike, the maintenance of the aircraft's engine, and the appropriateness of the runway embankment's construction.

The Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 overshot Muan Airport's runway during an emergency belly landing and ultimately crashed into an embankment housing navigation equipment (localisers), resulting in the deaths of all but two of the 181 passengers and crew members on board.