South Korea investigates newborn's death in flight from Clark

Korean police are investigating the death of a baby born during a flight from the Philippines to Incheon, South Korea.

At around 6:44 a.m. on June 1, emergency operators received a report that a baby boy born mid-flight inside the Jeju Air flight from Clark International Airport was not breathing.

The boy was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital when responders arrived, but was later pronounced dead.

“As the baby was born and died on a Korean-flagged aircraft, Korean authorities will handle the investigation,” a police official said, according to Korea JoongAng Daily. "We will thoroughly examine the circumstances of the birth and what led to the child’s death.”

Flag state jurisdiction gives South Korea the authority to monitor and regulate issues on vessels carrying its flag.

The baby was born to a 30-year-old Filipino mother, who was onboard with her husband, daughter, and mother-in-law. They were set to land in Incheon at 6:21 a.m.

Yonhap News reported that the woman was in her 23rd to 25th week of pregnancy. 

According to Jeju Air's website, pregnant women under 32 weeks can fly without restrictions unless instructed by a doctor. Meanwhile, expectant mothers who are 32 to 37 weeks along should only fly if they meet certain requirements, which include having a medical certificate. 

Women who are pregnant for 37 weeks or over (33 weeks or over for multiple pregnancy) are asked to refrain from air travel.

The Philippine Embassy in South Korea has yet to issue a statement regarding the matter.