Concrete Wall Blamed for High Fatalities in Jeju Air Crash

A recent investigation into the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 737-800 on December 29, 2024, has revealed that the presence of a concrete wall at the end of the runway played a crucial role in the disaster. The crash resulted in the loss of 179 lives, making it South Korea's deadliest aviation accident. According to the report released by the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport on January 8, simulations conducted by the Korean Society of Civil Engineers suggest that the impact force from the initial runway collision would not have been severe enough to cause fatal injuries if the concrete wall had not been present.

The investigation indicates that without the obstacle, the aircraft could have come to a stop after sliding approximately 770 meters. Furthermore, the simulation pointed out that if the navigation tower had been supported by a collapsible structure instead of a concrete base, the plane might have only broken through the fence, resulting in minor injuries for those on board.

Rep. Kim Eun-hui, a member of the National Assembly's Special Committee on the Air Disaster from the People Power Party, stated that the investigation findings clearly show that without the concrete wall, it would have been possible to avoid a situation where no one survived. This outcome completely contradicts the government's previous claims that the 'concrete wall was not an issue.' She emphasized that they will uncover the truth through a national inspection.

The accident has also led to further legal actions, with 72 families of the victims filing lawsuits against officials and safety representatives involved in the matter. This tragic event has exposed multiple safety concerns within South Korea's aviation industry, prompting calls for improved safety measures to prevent such disasters in the future.