Seventy-two bereaved relatives of victims killed in the Jeju Air plane crash last December have taken legal action by filing a criminal complaint against 15 individuals, including the airline's CEO, Kim E-bae, and South Korea's transport minister. The crash, which occurred on December 29, 2022, resulted in the tragic loss of 179 lives among the 181 passengers on board, marking it as the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korean history.
The families are voicing their belief that the crash was not merely an accident but a significant civic catastrophe fueled by "negligent management of preventable risks." Nearly five months after the incident, investigations are ongoing as authorities look to uncover the factors leading to the aircraft's emergency landing at Muan International Airport, which culminated in a fiery explosion.
Despite a police investigation already in motion, with restrictions placed on CEO Kim E-bae's travel, no formal charges have yet been brought against those implicated. One victim’s family member, Kim Da-hye, expressed their frustration about the slow pace of the investigation, stating, "We are filled with deep anger and despair. This extraordinary step of filing a criminal complaint signifies our unwavering commitment to uncover the truth."
Those named in the complaint include officials from the airline, government, and airport involved in various roles such as construction, supervision, and safety management. The complaint addresses critical concerns regarding the crash, such as the adequacy of air traffic control responses and possible regulatory violations concerning airport infrastructure.
The Boeing 737-800 aircraft had originated from Bangkok and began its journey toward Muan International Airport. A few minutes after contacting the airport, pilots reported a bird strike and issued a mayday signal before attempting to land from the reverse direction. Unfortunately, the plane belly-landed without deploying its landing gear, leading to an overrun and subsequent explosion.
Preliminary investigations indicated the presence of bird feathers in the plane's engines, yet the role of the bird strike in the crash remains uncertain. Amid this tragedy, some families have also been subject to harmful online harassment, with unjust claims made against them, prompting arrests of individuals responsible for creating defamatory content.
