South Korea’s acting President, Choi Sang-mok, has directed the transport ministry to conduct an emergency safety inspection of the country’s airline operations, as reported by local news agency Yonhap on Monday.
This move follows concerns over safety and is aimed at ensuring the stability of the aviation system. The news was reported by Yonhap on Monday.
Choi made the statement during a disaster control meeting in Seoul, following the tragic crash of a Jeju Air flight at Muan International Airport on Sunday.
The incident, which resulted in 179 fatalities and only two survivors, is the deadliest air accident in South Korea’s history. The emergency safety inspection aims to address concerns and prevent further disasters.
“The pilot declared mayday after issuing the bird strike alert,” said Joo Jong-wan, director of aviation policy division at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
The acting President pledged that the government would “spare no effort” in supporting the bereaved families of the victims.
He also declared a seven-day mourning period for the country in honor of those who lost their lives in the tragic crash.
At a press briefing on Sunday, Jeju Air’s head of the management support office, Song Kyung-hoon, stated that the airline would provide support to the victims and their families.
He also confirmed that the aircraft was insured for $1 billion, according to Yonhap.
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae did not confirm or deny reports suggesting that a bird strike caused the crash.
“Currently, the exact cause of the accident has yet to be determined, and we must wait for the official investigation by government agencies,” Kim said in a Sunday statement.
