Families of victims from the tragic Jeju Air crash disrupted a news conference, leading to the cancellation of an intermediate report that prematurely blamed the pilots and birds for the crash.
Jeju Air Crash Report Canceled Amid Family Outcry
Jeju Air Crash Report Canceled Amid Family Outcry
South Korean officials withdraw crash findings after families of victims express dissatisfaction at a press event.
South Korean authorities faced significant backlash from victim families on Saturday as they abruptly retracted a report intended to provide insights into the Jeju Air disaster. The Boeing 737-800, which crashed on December 29, resulted in the loss of 179 lives among 181 passengers onboard. The report was set to analyze engine performance but was met with a vociferous disruption from the relatives during the news conference.
The tension peaked after families received a private briefing regarding the investigation’s progress, where they learned that preliminary findings indicated no issues with the aircraft's engines. Instead, the report seemed to allocate blame to avian interference and the pilots' actions before the emergency landing attempt.
Attorney Pillkyu Hwang, representing the grieving families, condemned the report's framing, stating it unjustly implied culpability towards the deceased pilots and birds without thorough investigation. He demanded a more rigorous approach to the final conclusions, emphasizing the importance of carefully chosen language in such sensitive matters.
The families expressed their fear that the report might be misinterpreted by media outlets as a definitive conclusion, despite the investigation still being in progress. They sought clarity and transparency amid ongoing grief and confusion, highlighting the need for justice and accountability as they navigate this tragic loss.
