On January 28, 2025, a terrifying incident unfolded at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, when Air Busan Flight 391, an Airbus A321 aircraft, suddenly caught fire just moments before takeoff. The blaze erupted in the rear section of the plane while it was preparing for departure, creating scenes of panic and urgency as smoke quickly filled the cabin and flames spread outside.
The Flight and Evacuation
Flight 391 was scheduled to operate a domestic service from Busan to Seoul with 169 passengers and 7 crew members on board. At approximately 10:15 a.m. local time, passengers and crew noticed smoke coming from the back of the aircraft. Within minutes, the fire intensified, forcing the pilots to halt the takeoff and initiate an emergency evacuation directly on the runway.
The cabin crew acted swiftly, opening emergency exits and deploying evacuation slides. Passengers rushed to safety, many leaving behind their belongings in order to escape quickly. Despite the intensity of the flames, the evacuation was carried out successfully, with all 176 people making it off the aircraft alive.
Injuries and Emergency Response
Although the majority escaped unharmed, 27 people sustained minor injuries, primarily due to smoke inhalation, scrapes, or bruises from the fast evacuation process. Local emergency crews responded immediately, arriving on the scene within minutes. Firefighters battled the flames, but despite their rapid intervention, the aircraft was completely destroyed by the fire.
The injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, and officials confirmed that none of the injuries were life-threatening.
Cause Under Investigation
At this stage, the exact cause of the fire has not been determined. Aviation authorities in South Korea, along with representatives from Airbus and the airline, have launched a joint investigation. Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have started near the auxiliary power unit (APU) located at the rear of the plane, though a full inquiry is ongoing.
Impact on Operations
Following the incident, Gimhae International Airport temporarily suspended operations, causing delays and cancellations of multiple flights throughout the day. Normal flight schedules resumed later, but the event has sparked renewed concerns over passenger safety and the importance of rapid response training for airline staff.
Passengers Recall the Horror
Several passengers shared emotional accounts of their experiences. Many described thick smoke filling the cabin and the fear of being trapped as alarms sounded. Others expressed gratitude for the professionalism of the crew, crediting them with saving lives by acting quickly and calmly under extreme pressure.
One survivor told local media:
“We saw flames outside the window, and the smoke inside was choking. Everyone was screaming, but the crew kept telling us to move quickly. If they had delayed even a few seconds, we might not have made it out.”
A Rare but Serious Event
While modern air travel is considered the safest mode of transportation, incidents like Flight 391 serve as stark reminders of the risks involved and the importance of rigorous safety protocols. Aviation experts emphasize that the survival of all passengers in this case highlights the effectiveness of emergency procedures and the dedication of trained airline staff.
Conclusion
The destruction of this passenger jet marks one of the most serious aviation incidents in recent years. Yet, it is also a story of survival and resilience. Thanks to the swift actions of the crew and emergency responders, all 176 lives were saved, turning what could have been a devastating tragedy into a powerful reminder of the importance of preparedness in aviation safety.
Disclaimer: This article is written for informational and entertainment purposes only. The story is based on real events, while the accompanying image is AI-generated and does not depict the actual incident.