Fire Erupts on Air Busan Flight, Seven Injured

An Air Busan Airbus A321-200 caught fire at Gimhae International Airport in South Korea on January 28, just before its scheduled departure to Hong Kong, prompting the evacuation of 176 individuals, including 169 passengers and seven crew members. All were safely evacuated via inflatable slides, though seven people sustained minor injuries, primarily from smoke inhalation and during the evacuation process. Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have originated from a portable battery in an overhead compartment, with witnesses describing crackling sounds followed by smoke. The fire, which began around 10:26 PM and was extinguished by 11:31 PM, left significant damage to the aircraft's fuselage. This incident follows a recent deadly crash involving another South Korean airline, raising concerns about aviation safety in the region. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the fire, with authorities emphasizing the need for thorough follow-up measures.