US and South Korea investigators to begin looking into cause of plane crash that left 179 dead
A team of US and South Korean investigators are to set to begin looking into the cause of the plane crash that left 179 people dead at Muan International Airport.
The disaster on Sunday is the worst plane crash in South Korea’s history – with the youngest victim a three-year-old boy, according to a list of passengers seen by local media outlets.
South Korea’s transport ministry has said the pilot reported that his aircraft had suffered a bird strike as he called a mayday before the tragedy.
The Jeju Air flight, a Boeing 737-800 jet, was carrying 175 passengers and six crew when it crashed at the airport in the south of the country after departing from Bangkok.
It was making a second attempt at a crash landing after its landing gear failed to open when it veered off a runway and struck a wall, bursting into flames.
Two crew members who were at the rear of the plane when it came down were the only survivors.
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Airplane seats and magazines strewn on runway
Relatives of those who were on board have gathered at the airport to await confirmation of the death of their loved ones.
Many of the bodies can only be identified through DNA testing and fingerprints.
Among those that have been already been identified are four bodies that will be released to funeral homes following consultations with their bereaved families, South Korea’s ministry of land, infrastructure and transport (MOLIT) has said.
As it happened: South Korea plane crash updates
A woman prays at a memorial altar for the victims of the Jeju Air crash. REUTERS/Kim Hong-ji
Three of the bodies have been released to funeral homes in the southwestern city of Gwangju while one has been released to a home in the capital in Seoul, the ministry added.
It comes as the remaining 175 bodies are being kept in 11 refrigerated containers in a temporary morgue at the airport, which will be closed until 5am local time on 7 January while the accident investigation takes place.
The relatives of all those who died are being supported by more than 60 psychological experts, MOLIT said.
Meanwhile, a team of 11 investigators from South Korea’s Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board will be looking into the cause of the disaster with eight investigators from the US.
The American team is made up of one investigator from the US Federal Aviation Administration, three investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board and four people from the aircraft manufacturer Boeing.
It comes as an analysis centre is checking the condition of the aircraft’s black box.
MOLIT said: “A comprehensive investigation is being conducted on the maintenance history of major systems such as engines and landing gears, and the status of operation and maintenance records of the aircraft for six airlines operating the same type of aircraft as the accident aircraft.”
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Rescuers work at the wreckage of the aircraft. Pic: Reuters
Birds may have ‘struck engine’
The pilot’s mayday call came as a passenger had texted a relative to say a bird was stuck in the wing of the plane, News1 reported.
Their final message was said to have been: “Should I say my last words?”
Just two days before the crash, a passenger claiming to have travelled on the same plane said it had an engine shut down as people were boarding, according to Sky’s correspondent in the region, referencing Yonhap News Agency.
A passenger who boarded the Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 said: “I was on the same plane at the time and the engine shut off several times.”
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Police investigating the deaths of a British couple at their home in rural France have released details from a post-mortem examination.
Prosecutors say Dawn Searle, 56, was found at their property in Les Pesquies with “several” injuries to her head, while her husband, Andrew Searle, 62, was found hanged with no visible defensive injuries.
They are investigating whether the deaths are the result of a murder-suicide or if a third party was involved.
The pair are said to have been found dead by a German friend, who lives nearby, on Thursday after Mr Searle didn’t arrive for one of their regular dog walks.
The couple moved to the hamlet of Les Pesquies around a decade ago and married in the nearby town of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, in the south of France, in 2023.
Andrew and Dawn Searle’s home
A statement from the office of public prosecutor Nicolas Rigot-Muller said Ms Searle was found partially dressed with a major wound to her skull next to a box with jewellery inside.
But no object or weapon was found that could’ve caused the wounds, which an autopsy carried out in Montpellier on Monday found were caused by a blunt and sharp object. There were no signs of sexual assault.
The house appeared to have been quickly searched, while some cash was found in the couple’s room.
Investigators are conducting further examinations, including toxicology and pathology tests, to help determine the precise circumstances of their deaths.
A police officer outside Andrew and Dawn Searle’s home in France
The village of Villefranche-de-Rouergue Aveyron
They each have two children from previous relationships and Ms Searle’s son, the country musician and former Hollyoaks star Callum Kerr, said they were in mourning in a statement posted on Saturday.
Family members are understood to have travelled to France, where they have spoken with investigators.
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The mayor of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Jean-Sebastien Orcibal, who was also a neighbour of the Searles, said villagers and the British expat community were going to be getting “psychological help” following the incident, which has left locals in shock.
Speaking to Sky News from the town hall in which he conducted the couple’s wedding ceremony, he said: “It doesn’t seem like the problem comes from here because when we knew them and saw them living here they were very happy, very friendly and didn’t seem to have any problems.
“The problem seems to come from the past or somewhere far away.
“It’s an isolated act, it’s very independent. It doesn’t say that it’s a very dangerous territory, in fact, it’s very peaceful and that’s why probably Andy and Dawn chose to live here, because it’s very peaceful.
“Now, did their past come back and get them? That’s another story. That’s totally different from where we are. It could’ve happened anywhere.”
A Foreign Office spokesperson previously said: “We are supporting the family of a British couple who died in France and are liaising with the local authorities.”
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
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