Importance Score: 85 / 100 🟢
A stunning development unfolded following the catastrophic **plane crash** that stunned the world, as South Korean law enforcement officers raided Muan International Airport and Jeju Air’s Seoul offices. The operation came just days after the gruesome event on December 29, resulting in **179 deaths**.
Law Enforcement Operations
On Thursday, the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency conducted an extensive search and seizure of the airport located in South Korea’s southwestern region, along with the airline’s headquarters in the capital. The operation reached the Busan Regional Office of Aviation’s local branch at Muan, as reported by authorities.
Hunt for Evidence
Investigators are scouring for signs of criminal recklessness leading to death. Law enforcement issued a statement declaring: **”In relation to the plane accident of December 29, a search and seizure operation is being conducted from 9 am on January 2 at three locations.”**
- The airport in question is Muan International Airport.
- The second location is the Jeju Air headquarters in Seoul.
- The third is the Busan Regional Office of Aviation’s Muan branch.
These investigations stem from the nightmarish crash that transpired when the approximately 15-year-old Boing 737-800, belonging to Jeju Air experienced runway blunder procedures and catastrophic landing, a Sunday ago.
Impact and Investigation
Aftermath
As South Korea comes to terms with this national catastrophe, usual New Year’s festivities were overshadowed by somber introspection, with January 1st marked by silence instead of typical rejoicing and revelry.
Initial reports by the National Emergency Management Agency confirmed a possible malfunctioning landing gear failure caused the fatal incident, which followed a suspected mid-flight bird collision. The National Fire Agency has estimated the **death toll** includes at least 82 men and 83 women.
Identification
Devastating scenes unfolded at the airport’s arrivals hall. It was announced 22 deceased passengers had been identified solely through fingerprint analysis.
Survival and Rescues
In an astonishing twist, two crew members, located in the tail section were pulled out from the wreaked and gutted plane, saved from the escalading inferno.
Historical Significance
This calamity stands as one of the most devastating **aerial disasters** in the country’s aviation records.
Check back for further developments on this unfolding story.