**Authorities are investigating the safety of lithium-ion batteries as a response to the incident.**
**Power Bank Found to be Possible Cause of South Korean Plane Fire**
**Power Bank Found to be Possible Cause of South Korean Plane Fire**
**Interim reports indicate that a malfunctioning power bank led to a serious fire in a South Korean passenger plane.**
A recent investigation has pointed to a portable power bank as the likely source of a fire that tragically consumed a passenger plane at Gimhae International Airport in South Korea this past January. The Air Busan aircraft was involved in the incident on January 28, which left three individuals on board with minor injuries.
According to preliminary findings released by South Korea's transport ministry, the fire is believed to have originated from a malfunction in the insulation inside the power bank battery. The device was located in the overhead luggage compartment, which is where the flames were first detected. Scorch marks on remnants of the power bank support these findings. Investigators, however, could not determine the exact cause behind the battery malfunction at this stage.
It is crucial to note that these results are preliminary and do not represent a conclusive report on the Airbus A321ceo incident. For several years, global airlines have prohibited power banks from checked baggage due to the inherent risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are known for their potential to create extreme heat and fires, especially if a short circuit occurs due to damage or manufacturing defects.
Following the fire, Air Busan took swift action, intensifying regulations concerning power banks; the airline will no longer allow passengers to carry them in their onboard luggage. This decision came after a noted increase in incidents of power banks overheating. Other airlines, such as China Airlines and Thai Airways, have adopted similar policies, and both Singapore Airlines and its budget carrier Scoot plan to enforce a ban on the use and charging of power banks starting April 1.
In a further response to these safety concerns, the South Korean government announced on February 28 that passengers must now carry portable batteries and chargers personally instead of stowing them in overhead compartments.
