SEJONG, South Korea – South Korea’s Transport Minister, Park Sang-woo, announced on Tuesday (Jan 7) his intention to resign, taking responsibility for the Jeju Air crash on Dec 29, the country’s deadliest aviation disaster. Jeju Air flight 7C2216, traveling from Bangkok to Muan, belly-landed, overshot the runway at Muan International Airport, and exploded into flames after colliding with an embankment. The accident claimed 179 lives.
“I feel heavy responsibility for this disaster,” Park said during a press briefing, adding that he would step down after addressing the immediate aftermath of the crisis.
The transport ministry pledged to enhance the safety of airport landing systems, which experts blamed as a factor in the crash. The embankment supporting the localiser antenna, used for guiding landings in low visibility, was criticized for being overly rigid and dangerously close to the runway’s end.
Deputy Transport Minister Joo Jong-wan admitted that while the embankment’s construction complied with existing regulations, the safety measures were inadequate. Authorities are investigating the embankment’s design and construction. Police have already raided Jeju Air and Muan International Airport’s operating body as part of the ongoing inquiry into the tragedy.