Muan airport filled with desperation, grief as victims’ names announced

Land Minister Park Sang-woo speaks to the familiy member and reporters in a press briefing held at the Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province on Sunday. (Yonhap via The Korea Herald/Asia News Network)

MUAN, South Jeolla Province — As names of victims were announced through microphones one by one, screams of desperation filled the air.

At Muan International Airport where a plane crashed shortly after landing on Sunday morning, claiming 179 lives, a woman burst into tears after hearing the name of a family member whose body had been identified.

“We deeply regret your loss, please proceed to the next building,” a government official tells her, referring to the location where family assistance services were being provided.

READ: All but 2 feared dead after South Korea plane crashes with 181 aboard 

Most bodies could not have their identities confirmed, as they were so badly damaged. The plane was destroyed after it collided with the perimeter wall and burst into flames.

Family members who did not hear the names of their loved ones looked anguished as they prepared to undergo DNA tests.

“How long will it take to get the results?” several voices could be heard asking, only to hear fire authorities respond, “It won’t be possible tonight.”

Long lines of family members formed at desks manned by police personnel collecting DNA samples. Many appeared dejected — some struggling to stand, others weeping.

The long list of victims included a nine-member family who returned home from a trip meant to celebrate an 80th birthday, as well as municipal government officials on a trip to mark a colleague’s retirement.

READ: What we know about Jeju Air plane crash in South Korea 

Earlier, a nervous silence had taken hold in the main lounge of the airport, as people clung to hopes there would be survivors.

But, as the number of victims continued to increase every hour, announced by the Land Ministry officials, sobs and screams from bereaved families began to break the silence.

Though the government officials tried their best to inform families of the latest updates, they were never able to provide enough information to satisfy them.

“We told you to speak louder! We can’t hear you” a person shouted to the Land Ministry official when an announcement was made at 6 p.m. Sunday.

“What we wanted to know are the victims whose identifications are confirmed or the procedures the families need to take to confirm the victims’ identification. Not the numbers who are dead,” another person screamed amid the announcement.

As the sun set, more cars and visitors gathered at the airport, even though it had closed and all passengers had been confirmed dead.

Friends of the bereaved offered consolation. And the bereaved families, who tried to hide their emotions or hold back from crying, burst into tears after meeting their friends who arrived at the scene.

On the airport’s second floor, temporary shelters set up by the Korean Red Cross and the Korea Housing Builders Association provided space for the bereaved, the sound of mourning carrying through the thin walls.