In a desperate bid for accountability, families of the victims from last December’s tragic Jeju Air crash have initiated legal action against multiple officials, expressing frustration over the slow pace of the investigation.
Families of Jeju Air Crash Victims Demand Accountability in New Legal Action
Families of Jeju Air Crash Victims Demand Accountability in New Legal Action
Relatives of the deceased seek justice, filing a complaint against top officials amid lingering questions about negligence.
The recent complaint, lodged by 72 grieving families, targets 15 individuals including South Korea's transport minister and Jeju Air’s CEO, Kim E-bae, alleging professional negligence linked to the fatal incident that claimed the lives of 179 out of 181 passengers on board. The crash, which occurred on December 29 at Muan International Airport, is recognized as South Korea's deadliest aviation disaster.
The families insist the crash was "not a simple accident" but the result of gross negligence in managing risks that could have been avoided. Despite nearly five months since the crash, investigations remain unsettled, lacking a definitive cause as authorities continue their review.
In light of the ongoing investigation, law enforcement had already launched an inquiry prior to this additional complaint, restricting Jeju Air’s CEO from leaving the country. This dissatisfaction was articulated by Kim Da-hye, one of the bereaved relatives, who expressed their profound anger and despair at the lack of progress. "We are committed to seeking the truth," Kim emphasized.
The complaint underscores various factors surrounding the incident, including possible failures in air traffic control response and whether regulatory breaches occurred during the runway's construction. The tragic events unfolded when the Boeing 737-800, en route from Bangkok to Muan, reported a bird strike shortly before landing. As the pilots attempted a landing, the aircraft belly-landed with its landing gear retracted, eventually crashing through a concrete structure and resulting in a devastating explosion.
Investigation teams found bird feathers in both engines of the aircraft but have yet to determine their role in the accident's progression. Since the disaster, the families of victims have been subjected to a wave of hurtful conspiracies online, with several individuals arrested for spreading defamatory rumors regarding the compensation and authenticity of the claimed losses.
The incident has reignited discussions about aviation safety standards and crisis management protocols, highlighting the pressing need for transparent accountability within aviation authorities and corporations.
