Police to Operate Investigation Headquarters for Muan Aircraft Accident... 169 Forensic Experts Dispatched

Support for Victim Identification

The National Police Agency announced on the 29th that it plans to operate an investigation headquarters led by the head of the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency's investigation division regarding the aircraft accident that occurred at Muan Airport in Jeonnam.

Aircraft wreckage from the collision and explosion at Muan Airport. Photo by Yonhap News.

The National Police Agency stated, "Currently, 579 officers are deployed, and 169 forensic investigators have been dispatched to assist in identifying the victims."

The police have declared the highest alert level, 'Gapho Emergency,' in the Muan area of Jeonnam, and 'Eulho Emergency' in the adjacent Hampyeong and Mokpo areas. Under Gapho Emergency, police officers' leave is suspended, and 100% of available police forces can be mobilized. Under Eulho Emergency, leave is suspended, and up to 50% of available police forces can be mobilized. Acting Commissioner Lee Ho-young instructed, "Mobilize all available forces, including the duty rapid response team, to thoroughly support emergency rescue operations and share real-time information among related agencies such as fire services, local governments, and the airport."

According to the Fire Agency, at 9:03 a.m. that day, a report was received that Jeju Air flight 7C2216 from Bangkok, Thailand, had an accident while attempting to land on the runway at Muan International Airport. The passenger aircraft was carrying a total of 181 people, including 175 passengers and 6 crew members. Except for the tail section, the aircraft was burned to the point where its shape was unrecognizable. Except for two rescued crew members, most of the occupants are presumed dead.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.