ANN/THE KOREA HERALD – South Korean authorities will launch a full investigation on February 3 into the Air Busan fire at Gimhae International Airport last Tuesday.
Officials ruled out terrorism and decided against draining the aircraft’s 16,000 kilogrammes of jet fuel, citing no immediate risk.
The Airbus A321 was set to depart for Hong Kong when flames erupted in the rear cabin at 10.15pm.
All 176 onboard – 169 passengers, six crew, and one mechanic – evacuated via emergency slides. Seven passengers sustained minor injuries. Firefighters extinguished the blaze by 11.31pm.
A 20-member joint investigation team, including experts from the Transport Ministry, National Forensic Service, Korea Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and National Fire Agency, is leading the probe. The French aviation safety bureau, overseeing Airbus-related incidents, is also involved.
Investigators conducted a preliminary assessment, examining fire damage and securing hazardous materials. Witnesses and emergency calls suggest the fire may have started in an overhead storage compartment, though all possible causes remain under review.
On-site forensic work will begin on February 3, with experts collecting and analysing debris.
