Just a month after South Korea's worst aviation disaster, an Airbus A321 caught fire on the tarmac in Busan. Passengers reported a chaotic scene, as flames spread quickly and evacuation procedures failed to initiate, leading to a desperate rush towards exits.
Chaos Erupts as Fire Breaks Out on South Korean Passenger Jet
Chaos Erupts as Fire Breaks Out on South Korean Passenger Jet
In a shocking incident at Busan airport, a fire erupted on an Airbus A321 preparing to depart for Hong Kong, forcing passengers into a panic-driven escape.
On the night of January 29, 2025, an Air Busan Airbus A321, set for takeoff to Hong Kong from Busan, South Korea, encountered a potentially fatal emergency when a fire broke out in the cabin. Despite the escalating situation, the captain did not issue an evacuation command, thrusting nearly 170 startled passengers into chaos.
As the clock neared 10:15 p.m., the aircraft was still grounded when passengers noticed flames emanating from the overhead compartments at the rear of the plane. Witnessing the alarming sight just weeks after the country’s gravest aviation incident heightened anxiety among travelers.
Eyewitness Shin Min-su recalled the frantic atmosphere, describing how flames were visibly escaping the overhead bin doors. "People were screaming trying to get out, but there was a line so they were stuck," he explained. Although compelled to fight the fire himself, he was stopped by a flight attendant before attempting to open the bins.
The incident marks yet another stark reminder of gross mismanagement in aviation safety practices, leaving many to question necessary reforms to prevent such disasters in the future. As the Lunar New Year festivities approached, the harrowing experience serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile nature of safety in air travel.
