Families of Jeju Air Crash Victims Seek Justice with Criminal Complaint

Some families of the victims from the tragic Jeju Air plane crash last December have taken legal action by filing a criminal complaint against 15 individuals, including South Korea’s transport minister and the airline’s CEO. The complaint, lodged by 72 bereaved relatives, demands a comprehensive investigation into the incident, which resulted in the deaths of 179 out of 181 passengers, marking it as the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korean history. The families assert that the crash was not merely an accident but a significant civic disaster stemming from negligent management of preventable risks.

Legal Action and Demands for Accountability

The families of the victims are seeking accountability through their criminal complaint, which names 15 individuals, including government officials, airline executives, and airport personnel responsible for various aspects of safety and operations. They are calling for a more thorough investigation into the crash, which they believe was exacerbated by negligence. The complaint raises critical questions about the actions of air traffic control and whether safety regulations were violated during the construction of a mound at the end of the runway. The bereaved families express their frustration over the lack of progress in the ongoing investigation, which has yet to yield any indictments despite a police inquiry already being underway.

Details of the Crash Incident

The Boeing 737-800 aircraft was en route from Bangkok, Thailand, to Muan International Airport in South Korea when the incident occurred on December 29. Just five minutes after establishing contact with the airport, the pilots reported a bird strike and issued a mayday signal. In an attempt to land from an alternate direction, the aircraft belly-landed without deploying its landing gear, subsequently overrunning the runway, colliding with a concrete structure, and erupting into flames. Investigators have confirmed the presence of bird feathers in both engines but have not definitively determined the extent to which the bird strike contributed to the crash.

Impact on Victims’ Families and Online Harassment

In the aftermath of the disaster, the families of the victims have faced not only grief but also a wave of online harassment. Some have been subjected to conspiracy theories and derogatory comments suggesting they were “thrilled” to receive compensation or were “fake victims.” This has added to their anguish during an already painful time. Authorities have responded by apprehending eight individuals for making defamatory online posts, highlighting the challenges faced by the bereaved families as they seek justice and closure.

Continuing Investigation and Public Response

As nearly five months have passed since the crash, the investigation remains ongoing, with authorities still examining the factors that led to the tragic event. The bereaved families are determined to pursue the truth and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Their commitment to seeking justice reflects a broader call for improved safety measures in the aviation industry to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The public response to the incident has been one of sympathy and support for the families, as many call for transparency and thoroughness in the investigation process.


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