South Korean officials commenced the process of identifying remains from the crash site of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, which resulted in the deaths of 179 people. The crash occurred on Sunday in Muan, prompting hundreds of relatives to gather at the airport, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
The flight, which originated in Bangkok, crash-landed, resulting in significant destruction of the aircraft. Initial reports indicated that only the tail of the plane was recognizable among the wreckage, and the two survivors were crew members found in that section.
Authorities are working to identify the remains, with estimates suggesting that it could take up to 10 days for all bodies to be processed and returned to families. Over 600 body parts have been recovered from the site, complicating the identification and post-mortem processes.
Relatives expressed their grief and frustration over the wait for the return of their loved ones' remains. Many gathered at the airport, where they received support from civic groups and local government, while some voiced their anger at officials for delays in the recovery process.
Police plan to release the bodies one at a time, with some families potentially facing delays in holding funerals until as late as next Wednesday. Tensions escalated when relatives learned that the bodies had not been placed in promised refrigeration units, leading to accusations of neglect against authorities.
In response, officials stated that the freezers had arrived but were not yet operational due to setup issues. The relatives raised concerns about the warm weather exacerbating the situation, with temperatures reaching 52 degrees.
Jeju Air's senior executive expressed condolences to the families and committed to covering funeral-related expenses. Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with authorities examining multiple factors, including the possibility of bird strikes.
Relatives are also demanding increased support from the government to expedite the identification process and ensure proper storage of the bodies. Advocacy for accountability and compensation for the victims' families is underway as they seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The government has declared a seven-day mourning period, during which memorial altars will be established across various cities in the country.