Passenger Plane Catches Fire at South Korean Airport; All Passengers Safely Evacuated

A fire broke out on an Air Busan flight at Gimhae International Airport in South Korea on January 29, injuring seven individuals, including three passengers and four crew members. The fire occurred shortly before take-off for Hong Kong, potentially sparked by a compressed portable battery in the overhead compartment, according to local media reports. All 169 passengers aboard were able to evacuate via inflatable slides before any significant injuries occurred, although one person was hospitalized following the incident. Dramatic footage captured moments of chaos as thick smoke filled the cabin, leading passengers to open emergency doors. Authorities are investigating, with transport ministry officials stating, “It is unclear when we will be able to disclose the investigation findings on the cause of last night’s fire.” The fire severely damaged nearly half of the aircraft’s fuselage, although its wings and engines remained intact. This incident follows a tragic aviation disaster that occurred in December, further heightening concerns over airline safety in the region.

South Korean prosecutors have indicted impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on rebellion charges linked to his recent imposition of martial law, which occurred on December 3, 2024. The indictment, which could result in life imprisonment or even death if Yoon is convicted, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political crisis, according to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office. Yoon's martial law decree, criticized as alarming by many and likened to past dictatorial practices, was quickly overturned by the National Assembly, which unanimously voted against it. In his defense, Yoon insists that the martial law was a necessary measure to draw attention to threats posed by the liberal-controlled legislature, referring to assembly members as “criminals,” as reported by South Korean media outlets including Yonhap. The Constitutional Court is currently deliberating whether to formally dismiss Yoon or reinstate him, further complicating the political landscape in South Korea. Yoon has denied all wrongdoing and claims that the military presence aimed to ensure order during the assembly’s deliberations.

A fire broke out on an Air Busan Airbus A321 at Gimhae International Airport in South Korea on Tuesday night, leading to an emergency evacuation of 169 passengers and seven crew members. The incident occurred just moments before the flight was scheduled to take off for Hong Kong. Initial reports indicate that the fire may have been sparked by a portable battery stored in an overhead bin, which ignited and caused smoke to fill the cabin. Although the fire heavily damaged almost half of the aircraft's fuselage, its wings and engines remained unaffected. Seven individuals suffered injuries, with one person currently hospitalized. Dramatic footage from local media depicted flames engulfing the rear section of the aircraft as thick smoke poured from the interior. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos as passengers and crew members quickly initiated an evacuation using inflatable slides. The South Korean transport ministry has announced that an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway, with further findings to be disclosed in due course. This incident follows a recent aviation tragedy in the country, where a Jeju Air flight crash-landed, leading to significant casualties.