A fire erupted on January 28 at Gimhae International Airport, Busan, involving Air Busan's Airbus A321 aircraft, which was preparing for its flight to Hong Kong. The incident occurred around 10:15 PM, and fortunately, all 176 people on board, including 169 passengers and 7 crew members, managed to evacuate safely.
Witness accounts suggest the fire likely originated from the rear luggage compartment of the plane. Reports indicate passengers heard popping noises from the luggage shelf just moments before smoke began to fill the cabin. Responding quickly, the crew utilized emergency slides to facilitate the evacuation.
During the evacuation, three passengers sustained minor injuries yet did not require hospitalization. Fire crews arrived about eight minutes after the incident was reported and worked to extinguish the flames, which had begun to spread rapidly within the cabin.
This fire occurred just one month after the devastating accident at MuAn International Airport, where 179 people lost their lives when the aircraft, operated by Jeju Air, crashed due to landing gear failure. This recent incident raises significant concerns about aviation safety, especially following such recent tragedies.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire, though early indications point to electrical devices, such as mobile batteries, potentially igniting the blaze. The results of this investigation will be of utmost importance as the authorities continue to address safety measures within the South Korean aviation sector.
Air Busan, which is part of the larger air transport group thanks to its relationship with Korean Air, has assured the public they are cooperating fully with investigative bodies. They also stated their commitment to upholding the highest safety standards for all their flights.
The event has prompted the temporary closure of three of the 40 parking spaces at Gimhae Airport where the incident took place, disrupting normal operations on the following day. While 271 flights resumed regular schedules, Air Busan had to cancel eight flights as investigations continued.
Passengers included both foreign and local individuals. Among them were 22 foreigners, which included individuals from China and the United States, but no Japanese were aboard. Officials have stated they are analyzing the events leading up to the fire, including pilot protocols and passenger instructions during emergencies, to prevent future occurrences.
With the safety of its passengers being the top priority, Air Busan has reiterated its commitment to stringent safety assessments and rigorous training for all of its staff. The airline, which supports low-cost travel throughout the region, faces heightened scrutiny following such incidents.
The South Korean government has been proactive, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations and necessary preventive measures following this recent fire incident, as it seeks to maintain confidence and safety within the aviation sector.
These events highlight the importance of comprehensive safety protocols and effective emergency responses to safeguard the lives of passengers and crew alike during such unprecedented incidents. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and more details emerge.