A fire erupted on Air Busan Flight ABL391 shortly before its scheduled takeoff from Gimhae International Airport, sparking chaos among passengers. The Airbus A321-200 was preparing for its flight to Hong Kong when flames were reportedly sighted by passengers near the overhead bins. The incident occurred around 10:15 PM local time on January 28, 2025, during the busy Lunar New Year holiday period, leaving nearly 170 individuals scrambling for safety.
According to witnesses, the fire spread quickly after it was first noticed, leading to panic as the cabin filled with smoke. Shin Min-su, one of the passengers, recounted the terrifying moment, stating, “Flames were coming out of the gaps between the overhead bin doors.” Despite the urgent situation, the plane's captain did not immediately announce an evacuation order, leaving many passengers unaware of the severity of the fire.
Following the initial reports of fire from the rear left section of the aircraft, passengers found themselves trapped behind others desperate to exit. Witness accounts emphasized the chaotic atmosphere as individuals shouted, “Open the door, open the door!” amid the growing smoke, which urged the desperate passengers to act. Some passengers attempted to assist the crew by opening nearby doors themselves to escape.
Though the crew acted to shut off the plane's hydraulic and fuel systems, communications about the emergency procedures were reportedly lacking. While Air Busan later stated, “There was no time for a separate announcement,” this oversight has raised concerns among aviation experts about compliance with standard safety protocols. Keith Tonkin, managing director of Aviation Projects, highlighted the importance of clear communication during emergencies, noting, “Ideally, the cabin crew would take charge of evacuations.”
Fortunately, all 176 individuals onboard survived the incident—169 passengers and seven crew members. Three passengers reported minor injuries, and four flight attendants needed medical attention after inhaling excessive smoke. Videos shared by shaken passengers showed the devastation as they descended emergency slides to the tarmac, with some rolling onto the ground without assistance.
Emergency services arrived shortly after evacuation concluded, prioritizing the extinguishing of the fire, which was finally under control by 11:30 PM. Initial assessments raised alarms due to the plane's wings, which contained approximately 15,800 kg of fuel at the time of the fire. The fuselage of the aircraft was declared destroyed.
Authorities have initiated investigations to determine the fire's cause, with early reports suspecting a passenger's portable power bank stored within the overhead compartment as the likely ignition source. An Air Busan official stated, "It appears to have been caused by a passenger's portable power bank, compressed inside the overhead bin.” The rapid escalation of the incident evokes echoes of previous aviation safety concerns surrounding similar devices, as past events have already highlighted issues with portable charging devices leading to fires on board.
Investigators are preparing to collaboratively assess the scene with officials from France's Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) as they aim to pinpoint the cause based on forensic evidence. Together with South Korean authorities, they will evaluate all contributing factors, including regulatory compliance involving cabin safety standards.
Following last month’s disastrous incident involving Jeju Air, which resulted in the loss of 179 lives, the South Korean transport ministry finds itself under increased scrutiny for the aviation sector's safety practices. Recent amendments to regulations have mandated stricter checks across low-cost carriers and enhancement of training for aviation personnel.
The air disaster raised flags about several budget airlines' adherence to safety protocols, prompting the government to order sweeping reforms following the tragedy. Addressing these issues is pivotal for restoring public confidence and ensuring passenger safety, especially during peak travel seasons.
Now, as officials continue their investigations, questions remain about Air Busan's emergency handling and adherence to safety procedure protocols. The investigation will examine the airline's response protocols, along with the extent of compliance among flight staff, to ascertain the airline's liability concerning the incident.
While the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, the potential impact of portable electronic devices on aviation safety is under increased scrutiny. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has promised to keep the public informed about the investigation’s progress. A ministry official stated, "We will keep all possibilities open to determine the exact cause of the fire,” emphasizing their commitment to transparency.
With the aviation world closely monitoring the developments, the Air Busan incident serves as another stark reminder of the inherent dangers present airborne, particularly concerning cabin safety and incident response readiness. The outcome of this investigation has the potential not only to shed light on this specific incident but might also serve as a catalyst for wider changes across the international aviation community.