Air Busan Airbus A321 Catches Fire: Portable Power Bank Suspected To Be The Origin of Fire
Air Busan Airbus A321 Catches Fire: On January 28, 2025, an Air Busan Airbus A321 caught fire at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, while preparing for a flight to Hong Kong. The fire erupted in the aircraft’s tail section around 10:30 PM local time, leading to the successful evacuation of all 176 individuals on board, including 169 passengers and seven crew members. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, although seven people sustained minor injuries during the evacuation process.
Cause of the Fire: Investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by a portable power bank stored in an overhead bin. Passengers reported hearing a “crackling sound” followed by smoke emanating from the overhead compartment above row 28. Air Busan officials indicated that the fire likely originated from a passenger’s power bank that became compressed inside the overhead locker. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of carrying such devices on flights, prompting experts to advise passengers to ensure their power banks are in good condition and from reputable brands.
Ongoing Investigations: The Korean transport ministry is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports have not found any immediate evidence of dangerous items on board, and no indications of terrorism-related activity have emerged. However, authorities are continuing to explore all possibilities as they assess the damage and investigate the cause further.
Impact and Response: The incident has drawn attention to aviation safety protocols at Gimhae International Airport and has led to discussions about the risks posed by personal electronic devices during flights. Air Busan has expressed its commitment to supporting affected passengers and ensuring such incidents do not recur in the future.
