Authorities are launching investigations following a fire incident involving an Air Busan passenger plane at Gimhae International Airport on January 30, 2025. The Airbus, which was preparing for takeoff to Hong Kong, caught fire on the runway. Fortunately, all 176 individuals on board were safely evacuated using emergency slides, though seven reported minor injuries.
The incident has raised significant safety concerns, particularly because the aircraft still contained 35,000 pounds of fuel stored within its wings. A meeting was convened by the aviation and railway accident investigation board, along with local police, firefighting agencies, and the National Forensic Service, to outline the next steps for the probe. Officials are particularly focused on safety due to the risks involved, stating, "If the plane catches fire again over the course of the probe, it could explode," according to statements from ministry officials.
Initial investigations suggest the fire may have originated from items stored within overhead compartments, with eyewitnesses indicating flames and crackling noises coming from the rear left section of the aircraft. Speculations include the possible involvement of portable batteries, which are often hazardous due to their lithium-ion components. "We will keep all possibilities open to find the exact cause of the fire," reiterated one official.
Upon initial inspections, the authorities realized the need for prompt action. They emphasized the importance of working with safety teams to understand the fire dynamics and to mitigate any hazardous situations during the investigation. The fire broke out at approximately 10:15 p.m. on January 30, prompting immediate emergency protocols. Fortunately, the timely response ensured all passengers and crew could evacuate without severe injury, even though seven individuals suffered minor wounds.
The retrieval of black boxes from the aircraft is planned to assist with the investigation process. The incident follows another concerning fire event last month, where another Air Busan flight was similarly affected shortly before takeoff due to problems with portable batteries. Given the frequency of such incidents, the growing calls for enhanced regulations surrounding carry-on luggage and personal electronic devices are gaining traction.
Following the firefighting and police response, collaborative efforts are underway. Authorities are adopting cautious measures and reviewing evidence thoroughly to avoid any explosions during the investigative process. A French investigative team has been summoned to assist, adhering to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) protocols, as South Korea collaborates on comprehensive safety reviews.
Although preliminary assessments point toward portable batteries as potential culprits, aviation safety experts remind the public not to jump to conclusions. Reports indicate some onboard passengers raised questions about the evacuation process. One witness noted, "The situation was urgent and rapidly evolved, leaving no time for separate announcements,” indicating the pressure under which crew members found themselves. Air Busan stated the evacuation procedures were aligned with emergency protocols, asserting, "The emergency exit was opened by a passenger who had previously been instructed on how to do so, following the crew’s request.”
Given the seriousness of this situation, the incident has sparked conversations about the safety measures currently adopted across airlines, particularly concerning passenger rights during emergencies and organizational responsibilities. With continuous scrutiny of possible regulations and standards about the management of carry-on luggage, suggestions are being made to improve current guidelines to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
This event also follows the tragic crash of another South Korean airline, Jeju Air, earlier this year, which resulted in the deaths of all but two passengers on board, marking the worst aviation disaster on the nation's soil. The focus remains on ensuring safety and accountability within the aviation industry as these two incidents highlight areas of concern requiring urgent attention.