Almost five months have passed since the devastating Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea on December 29, which led to the loss of 179 lives. In a poignant move for justice, 72 bereaved family members filed a criminal complaint against 15 officials within the aviation and government sectors, citing negligence and violations of South Korean law.
The complaint, submitted to the Jeonnam Provincial Police, targets prominent figures, including Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae and Transport Minister Park Sang-woo. Families assert that the disaster stemmed from serious negligence rather than a mere accident, claiming it violated both the Serious Accidents Punishment Act and the Aviation Safety Act.
Key concerns outlined in the complaint relate to the pilot's sharp maneuver before landing, engine maintenance protocols, and the failure of the flight recorder four minutes prior to the crash. Investigative findings revealed prior warnings about dangerous bird strikes and indicated that a more frangible barrier at the runway's end could have mitigated fatalities.
Frustration has mounted among the families, with statements like "no progress in four months" resonating through their ranks. In response, aviation officials have promised significant safety reforms, including airport infrastructure upgrades and enhanced maintenance crews. Muan International Airport is slated to reopen in July with new safety measures in place, while investigations continue into the precise causes of the tragic accident.
