South Korea's Air Tragedy: Investigations and Mourning

The investigation of South Korea's tragic jet crash intensifies as families mourn the 179 victims. Authorities are analyzing cockpit voice data, with damaged flight data sent to the US. The tragedy prompted a national mourning period, while key questions about the incident's cause remain under scrutiny.

The probe into the South Korea jet crash that claimed 179 lives gathered momentum as the nation mourns. South Korean transport authorities confirmed that investigators have successfully extracted data from the cockpit voice recorder, hoping it will illuminate the moments leading up to what is now the country's worst aviation tragedy.

The painstaking conversion of this data to audio files could take up to two days. However, complications have arisen regarding the flight data recorder, which requires US assistance for analysis. Tragically, all but two crew members perished when the Jeju Air jet crash-landed after hitting a runway embankment at Muan International Airport.

A national mourning period has been declared, with festivities scaled back. Investigators, joined by US counterparts, are exploring potential factors, including bird strikes, landing gear failures, and pilot error. Families and officials are focusing on a thorough and swift investigation, crucial for closure and preventing future disasters.

(With inputs from agencies.)