In a shocking development following the tragic crash of a Jeju Air plane on December 29, South Korean police conducted a raid at Muan International Airport early Thursday morning. This emergency operation was reported by the local news agency Yonhap and aims to gather evidence related to the accident.

The police stated in an official report that they are executing search and seizure operations at three crucial locations: Muan Airport, the Jeju Air headquarters in Seoul, and a regional aviation office. "We are determined to swiftly and rigorously determine the cause and responsibility for this accident in accordance with the law and principles," a police spokesperson shared, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the investigation.

In parallel, Jeju Air is closely monitoring the unfolding situation. The airline’s representatives underscore their commitment to understanding and addressing any safety concerns that arise from the investigation.

Critical Inspections Underway

On the same day, South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok addressed a disaster management meeting, confirming that the conversion of the cockpit voice recorder data of flight 7C2216 would be completed by Friday. This critical information is expected to provide valuable insights into the crash, which occurred when the aircraft’s landing gear malfunctioned, causing it to belly-land and subsequently burst into flames upon colliding with an embankment.

In response to the incident, the South Korean authorities announced that all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by local airlines will undergo special inspections, specifically targeting the landing gear mechanism. President Choi emphasized the importance of addressing public concerns regarding the safety of this aircraft model, urging relevant organizations to conduct thorough checks on maintenance, operational protocols, education, and training.

The aircraft's flight data recorder, although damaged, has been sent to the United States for deeper analysis in collaboration with the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB, alongside the US Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing, has dispatched teams to South Korea to support local investigations into what some are calling the worst air disaster in the nation’s history.

As Korea grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, President Choi assured that every effort will be made to assist the victims' families, calling for national solidarity in this heartbreaking time.

The incident has raised significant awareness about aviation safety and regulatory practices in the country, further touching a nerve among the public, who are demanding greater accountability and transparency from aviation authorities.

Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop and as investigators work diligently to uncover the exact circumstances surrounding this catastrophic event.