Seven individuals sustained minor injuries in a fire that erupted on an airplane in South Korea, authorities reported on Wednesday. Local media suggested that the blaze may have originated from a portable battery stored in a carry-on suitcase.
The Air Busan flight, traveling from Gimhae International Airport, situated southeast of Busan, to Hong Kong, caught fire on Tuesday evening, according to the South Korean Ministry of Transport. A total of 169 passengers and seven flight attendants were evacuated using inflatable slides.
Initially, officials reported three injuries; however, this number was later updated to seven on Wednesday. One of the injured individuals is currently hospitalized, as stated by the ministry.
The dramatic fire ravaged nearly half of the aircraft’s fuselage; fortunately, the wings and engines remained undamaged, according to the same source, which confirmed that an investigation has been initiated.
“We do not know when we will be able to release the findings regarding the cause of the fire,” emphasized the ministry spokesperson.
Local media broadcast striking images late Tuesday into Wednesday, depicting an airplane engulfed in flames with thick smoke billowing from inside the cabin.
New photographs released on Wednesday morning revealed the extent of the damage: the upper half of the fuselage was charred, leaving a large gaping hole.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the fire spread after black smoke emerged from the overhead luggage compartment located above the last row of passengers.
Last month, South Korea witnessed its worst aviation disaster when an aircraft carrying 181 passengers from Bangkok landed belly-first in Muan just seconds before crashing into a wall at the end of the runway and catching fire. Only two crew members survived, while 179 individuals lost their lives.
