Seoul: Seven transport ministry officials have been referred to prosecutors for allegedly covering up the unfit status of a localizer blamed for the high number of casualties in the 2024 Jeju Air plane crash, police said Wednesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the deadly crash on Dec. 29, 2024, claimed the lives of 179 passengers and crew members when the passenger jet made an emergency belly landing at Muan International Airport, approximately 290 kilometers south of Seoul. The plane collided with a concrete mound housing the localizer, a navigation system that assists aircraft landings.

The seven officials were referred to the prosecution on Tuesday for allegedly drafting press releases that stated the localizer was installed in accordance with regulations, despite being aware that it did not fully comply with the rules. This information was uncovered by a special police investigation team.

Following the crash, the placement of the localizer within the concrete mound raised questions about its contribution to the high death toll, prompting further scrutiny and investigation into the matter.