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Emergency Evacuation as Passenger Jet Catches Fire at Korean Airport
2025-01-29

A passenger aircraft caught fire on the runway at Gimhae International Airport in South Korea, leading to a rapid evacuation of all 169 passengers and seven crew members. Initially reported to have caused injuries to three individuals, this number later increased to seven with minor injuries sustained. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, just before the plane was set to depart for Hong Kong. The fire originated from the tail section of the Air Busan Airbus and spread to other parts of the aircraft. Video footage captured passengers using inflatable slides to escape the burning plane while emergency services worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames.

Rapid Response to Aircraft Emergency

The swift actions taken by both passengers and airport staff were crucial in ensuring everyone's safety during this unexpected crisis. As soon as the fire broke out around 10:30 PM local time, immediate evacuation procedures were initiated. Passengers quickly followed instructions and used the inflatable slides to exit the aircraft safely. Meanwhile, fire authorities were already on the scene, working diligently to contain the blaze. Their prompt response prevented any major casualties and ensured that only minor injuries were reported.

Initial reports suggested that only three people had been injured; however, this number rose to seven the following day. All injuries were described as minor, indicating that the evacuation process went relatively smoothly despite the chaotic situation. Videos shared by international media outlets showed passengers evacuating calmly and running away from the burning aircraft. Footage also revealed firefighters battling the flames and successfully putting them out within a short period. The effective coordination between various teams played a significant role in minimizing damage and protecting lives.

Investigation and Aftermath of the Incident

In the aftermath of the fire, attention turned towards understanding what caused such an alarming event. Planemaker Airbus acknowledged awareness of the incident and began collaborating with Air Busan to investigate further. Despite the dramatic scenes captured on video, no official statements or explanations regarding the cause of the fire were immediately available. However, experts speculate that issues related to the aircraft’s systems or maintenance could be potential factors.

The extent of the damage became evident when images emerged showing large burn marks along the roof of the plane. These visuals highlighted the severity of the fire and raised questions about safety protocols and inspection practices. While Air Busan did not respond promptly to requests for comment, ongoing investigations aim to uncover the root cause and prevent similar incidents in the future. Media coverage continued to provide updates, emphasizing the importance of stringent safety measures in aviation.

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