MUAN, South Korea: South Korean authorities on Tuesday began handing over the bodies of those killed in a plane crash to families, as investigators raced to determine which Jeju Air Boeing 737- Why did the 800 crash land and burst into flames?
U.S. investigators, including Boeing, arrived at the crash site in southwestern Moan, officials said, as South Korean officials began examining two black boxes recovered from the plane’s charred wreckage.
The plane was en route from Thailand to South Korea with 181 people on board when it made a mayday call and went belly-up before hitting the barrier and bursting into flames.
All aboard Jeju Air Flight 2216 were killed, two flight attendants were pulled from the wreckage.
Seven days of mourning are being observed in South Korea, with flags flying at half-mast.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who has only been in office since Friday, said the crash was a “turning point” for the country, calling for a complete overhaul of the air safety system.
He urged officials to “thoroughly re-evaluate the aircraft’s operation system … and immediately address any necessary improvements.”
“Today is the last day of 2024,” he urged citizens on Tuesday to “reflect on the past year and prepare for the new year.”
“I am well aware that whenever domestic and international challenges arose, all citizens and public officials united with one heart and mind to overcome these crises.”
At Muan Airport, investigators combed through mutilated bodies and soldiers worked carefully in the fields surrounding the airport on Tuesday, as people gathered near the airport’s perimeter – including food and letters – for the victims. Abandon ceremonial sacrifices.