All 175 passengers and four crew members died when the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 skidded off the runway at Muan International Airport and burst into flames.

South Korean Acting PActing South Korean President Choi Sang-mok has ordered an emergency safety inspection of the country’s entire airline operation system following one of the deadliest plane crashes in South Korea’s history, which killed 179 people. The crash occurred on Sunday when Jeju Air flight 7C2216, carrying 181 people from Thailand to South Korea, made a mayday call and belly-landed before skidding off the runway at Muan International Airport. The plane then crashed into a wall and burst into flames.

All passengers and four of the six crew members aboard were killed, while two crew members survived and were taken to the hospital. Initial reports suggested a bird strike as a possible cause of the crash.

In response, President Choi instructed the Transport Ministry to conduct an emergency safety inspection of the entire aircraft operation system to prevent future accidents. South Korea will carry out a special inspection of all 101 Boeing 737-800s operating in the country, with US investigators, including representatives from plane manufacturer Boeing, joining the probe.

Flags across the country flew at half-mast on Monday as South Korea entered a seven-day mourning period following the disaster. Investigators have identified 141 of the victims, with DNA analysis and fingerprinting aiding in the process. Authorities are focusing on identifying the remaining victims and providing support to their families.

President Choi emphasized that the priority was to identify the victims, support their families, and treat the two survivors. He also urged officials to ensure transparency in the investigation and keep the bereaved families informed.

Muan International Airport will remain closed until Wednesday, while other airports in the country continue operations as planned.