Met Family in Bangkok After Working in India, Survived Solo Return Flight After Group Trip of 18
"Hope the Truth of the Accident Is Revealed Accurately," Expresses Frustration
Amid the tragedy of the Jeju Air passenger plane crash that resulted in 179 deaths, a mourner visiting the joint memorial altar set up at Muan Sports Park near Muan International Airport in Jeonnam on the 30th touches the memorial tablet of the victims to pay respects.
"I was traveling with my family in Thailand, and I was the only survivor among 18 people"
On the second day after the Jeju Air disaster, the second floor of Muan International Airport terminal was filled with the cries and shouts of bereaved families on the 30th. On that day, a bereaved family member, Mr. A, took the microphone and said, "I am working in India," and cried out, "I went on a group package trip with 18 family members, and I was the only one who survived."
Mr. A, who works at a local subsidiary of a large corporation in India, met with his family in Korea and traveled together in Thailand. In Bangkok, Mr. A enjoyed the trip with a total of 18 people, including himself and 4 family members, a large family of 9 who came to celebrate their grandfather's birthday, and 5 tourists from Mokpo.
Having to return to work after the trip, Mr. A parted ways with his family promising to meet again and boarded a flight to India alone. After entering India first and returning to his accommodation, Mr. A heard the news of the plane crash involving his family and the others who traveled together. Shocked, Mr. A hurriedly booked a flight back to Korea. He arrived at Incheon Airport early that morning and rushed to Muan International Airport in a daze.
Recalling those who traveled with him, Mr. A could not hide his painful feelings. He said, "I cannot forget the voice of a 6-year-old little girl who came along to celebrate her grandfather's birthday, not just my family," expressing his agony. He also cried out, "Among the 18 people who traveled together, I am the only survivor," and asked, "Why is the pain mine alone?"
Mr. A also expressed his frustration about the accident. He said, "I really cannot understand. How could the plane send a 'Mayday' just one minute after a bird warning was issued?" He added, "Did they fail to observe the birds before that? And they said not to land because of the birds, but how could they land without landing permission?" expressing his anger. He continued, "Is Muan Airport being properly operated? Does it respond 365 days like Gimpo Airport or Incheon Airport?" He questioned, "They said the bird flock was detected and the Mayday communication came out within one minute, but were the birds actually visible at that time?" Having urgently returned from India, he appealed to reporters, saying, "I hope the truth of the accident is thoroughly investigated," and "I hope the exact cause is found and accurate reports on subsequent measures are made."
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