A passenger plane caught fire just moments before takeoff in South Korea, causing chaos and panic among the 176 people on board. The incident took place at Gimhae International Airport, where an Air Busan craft was preparing to depart for Hong Kong. The rear parts of the plane suddenly burst into flames, leading to a rapid evacuation using emergency slides.
Video footage obtained by the New York Times shows fire crews desperately trying to extinguish the fire engulfing the fuselage of the Airbus A321. The extent of the damage was severe, with some parts of the aircraft completely burned through. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by South Korea’s Transport Ministry.
Dramatic video captured by The Guardian shows passengers sliding down inflatable escape slides as thick smoke billowed from the back of the plane. Shortly after, the cabin was consumed by massive flames, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Fortunately, all 176 individuals on board, including passengers, crew members, and an engineer, were safely evacuated. However, seven people sustained minor injuries and were hospitalized for treatment. Among the injured were crew members who experienced chest discomfort from smoke inhalation and passengers complaining of back pain.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames, finally succeeding in bringing the fire under control around 11:30 p.m. The incident caused significant disruption and raised concerns about the safety of air travel.
As authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire, passengers and crew members are left shaken by the terrifying ordeal. The quick response and evacuation procedures likely prevented a more serious outcome, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with air travel.
