Passenger plane catches fire at South Korean airport. All 176 people on board are evacuated
A dramatic incident unfolded at Gimhae International Airport in South Korea late Tuesday, as a passenger plane operated by Air Busan caught fire just before takeoff. Despite the terrifying situation, all 176 passengers on board were safely evacuated, with only three individuals sustaining minor injuries during the evacuation process.
The Airbus A321 plane was preparing to depart for Hong Kong when flames engulfed its rear sections, prompting a swift response from authorities. The National Fire Agency was deployed to the scene and successfully extinguished the fire by 11:31 p.m., approximately one hour after the initial emergency.
Mayor of Busan Park Heong-joon and other officials visited the site of the incident to assess the situation and ensure the safety of all passengers and crew members. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, pending further investigation by the Transport Ministry.
This harrowing event comes on the heels of a tragic plane crash at Muan International Airport just a month prior, where a Jeju Air passenger plane tragically crashed, resulting in the loss of all but two of the 181 individuals on board. The crash, which was one of the deadliest in South Korea’s aviation history, was attributed to the plane’s landing gear failing to deploy, causing it to skid off the runway and collide with a concrete structure.
Authorities investigating the Muan International Airport crash have revealed evidence of bird strikes in the plane’s engines, though the exact cause of the accident has yet to be determined. The devastating incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with air travel, underscoring the importance of stringent safety protocols and thorough maintenance procedures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
As the aviation industry grapples with the aftermath of these incidents, it is crucial for authorities and airlines to prioritize passenger safety above all else, implementing rigorous safety measures and conducting thorough investigations to prevent similar incidents from happening again. The resilience and quick thinking of passengers, crew members, and emergency responders in the face of adversity highlight the importance of preparedness and vigilance in ensuring the safety of all individuals involved in air travel.
