In brief
An Air Busan flight preparing to take off from Busan was engulfed in flames, causing a frantic scene among nearly 170 passengers. The fire, which began in the cabin, triggered panic as the captain failed to issue an evacuation order. Eyewitness accounts reveal a chaotic struggle for safety just a month after another airline disaster shook the nation.
On January 29, 2025, an Air Busan Airbus A321 was engulfed in flames at Busan Airport as it prepared for takeoff to Hong Kong. The fire initially erupted at the rear left of the cabin, quickly spreading and alarming passengers. Witnesses reported that flames were visibly escaping from the overhead bins, and amidst the chaos, they were left in a desperate search for safety. The flight, which was already late for its 10:15 p.m. departure, had nearly 170 passengers onboard, many of whom were preparing to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Despite noticing the worsening situation, the plane's captain did not initiate an evacuation over the intercom, leading to a scene of bedlam as passengers began pushing and shouting to escape the burning aircraft. Shin Min-su, who was on the flight, recounted how flames began to emerge from above them. In an attempt to mitigate the situation, he got up to help extinguish the fire, but a flight attendant stopped him from opening the overheated bins. The fear of another aviation disaster still lingered in passengers' minds, as just weeks earlier, the nation experienced its deadliest crash, raising anxiety levels on board.The incident adds to South Korea’s growing concerns over aviation safety, with both authorities and the airline set to investigate the fiery emergency as passengers reflect on the harrowing escape from a potential tragedy.
