MuAn, South Korea – Two days after a devastating plane crash claimed 179 lives, authorities in South Korea are racing to identify the victims. As of Tuesday morning, the identification process for 140 of the deceased has been completed.

The identification process is being carried out through fingerprint matching or DNA comparison with family members. However, due to the severe condition of some bodies, fingerprint identification has proven impossible in several cases. Additionally, for minors, DNA comparison with family members is necessary as fingerprints cannot be used.

To expedite the process, authorities have deployed three rapid DNA analysis devices and have increased the number of forensic examiners and support staff.

Of the deceased, 165 bodies have been placed in a temporary mortuary at the airport. Once the National Forensic Service completes DNA verification and other examinations, the bodies will be handed over to their families for funeral arrangements.

The Gwangju District Prosecutors' Office and the Mokpo Branch are working simultaneously to conduct autopsies and inspections to facilitate the prompt return of the bodies.

The process of handing over the bodies to families began on Tuesday. Once the police complete the inspection certification, they will contact the bereaved families to arrange for the transfer of the bodies to their preferred funeral homes.

Officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport and Korea Airports Corporation will accompany the bereaved families to the temporary mortuary to receive the inspection certificates and transport the bodies to the funeral homes in ambulances.

In parallel with the process of handing over the bodies to families, authorities have been working for two days to recover personal belongings from the crash site. Firefighters, police, and military personnel have been deployed for this task.

On Monday morning at 9:03 AM, Jeju Air flight 7C2216, arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted a belly landing and overran the runway, colliding with the airport wall and exploding. 1  Of the 181 people on board, 179 tragically lost their lives.