Seoul, Jan 7 (NationPress) The government of South Korea has decided to exclude both former and current senior officials from involvement in the investigation of the recent Jeju Air plane crash to mitigate conflicts of interest and guarantee a fair and unbiased inquiry, the transport minister revealed on Tuesday.
Transport Minister Park Sang-woo disclosed this plan during a press briefing at the government complex in Sejong, emphasizing that the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board, responsible for examining the tragic incident that occurred on December 29 and resulted in the loss of 179 lives, will not include these individuals.
“To accurately ascertain the cause of the accident, we will pursue the investigation adhering to both international standards and domestic regulations to uphold fairness,” Park stated.
He further clarified that Chang Man-hee, chairman of the board and a former ministry official, alongside Joo Jong-wan, the head of the ministry’s aviation policy office and a standing board member, have been barred from participating in any board activities.
Additionally, Park noted that the data transcription from the cockpit voice recorder of the crashed B737-800 aircraft has been finalized, and the flight data recorder has been sent to the United States for analysis.
In relation to the contentious localiser structure at Muan International Airport, which has been identified as a contributing factor to the accident, Park assured that authorities are cognizant of the issues and will promptly enhance safety measures at airports.
Earlier today, the South Korean government reiterated its commitment to fully support the families of the 179 victims of the tragic Jeju Air crash, as stated by acting President Choi Sang-mok, with funeral services expected to conclude shortly.
According to Choi, the remains of all victims were returned to their families by Monday.
The Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 flight, which was carrying 181 passengers and crew, tragically crashed at Muan International Airport on December 29, resulting in only two survivors.
“Even after the funeral proceedings are finalized, the government will ensure that all challenges faced by the bereaved families are addressed, and we will provide meticulous assistance until every issue is resolved,” Choi remarked during a disaster control meeting.
He also highlighted that the government, in collaboration with local agencies, will keep communication channels open with families to continuously identify and meet their needs.
For instance, psychological support teams have been established to aid in the emotional recovery of the bereaved families and those involved in the accident response, he added.
Emergency living expenses for the victims’ families are set to commence distribution on Friday, Choi announced.
The Financial Services Commission will assist bereaved families by extending the maturity of their loans. Furthermore, if new financing is needed, special guarantees will be available through the state-run Korea Credit Guarantee Fund.
