South Korea: Authorities Set to Launch Joint Investigation of Air Busan Aircraft Destroyed by Fire Next Week
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Synopsis
South Korean officials have announced a joint investigation into an Air Busan aircraft that caught fire. The investigation will begin next week after safety checks on the fuel in the wings have been completed. The aircraft was set for a flight to Hong Kong when the incident occurred, fortunately with all passengers evacuated safely.
Key Takeaways
- Joint investigation into Air Busan aircraft fire begins next week.
- Safety checks on fuel in the wings have been completed.
- All 176 passengers safely evacuated, though seven sustained minor injuries.
- Speculation exists about the fire's cause, possibly linked to items in overhead bins.
- Incident follows another aviation disaster in South Korea.
Busan, Jan 31 (NationPress) Authorities in South Korea have announced the initiation of a joint investigation into an Air Busan aircraft that was severely damaged by fire, set to commence early next week. This decision follows the completion of safety assessments on the significant volume of fuel still present in the plane's wings.
The investigation into the Air Busan Airbus, currently stationed on the tarmac at Gimhae International Airport, is scheduled for Monday, as confirmed by officials from the transportation ministry.
The aircraft, which was intended for a flight to Hong Kong, ignited at the airport in the southern region of Busan shortly before takeoff. Fortunately, all 176 individuals onboard were evacuated safely using an escape slide, though seven sustained minor injuries.
An official from the ministry's investigation board stated, 'It was concluded that the investigation could proceed safely without draining the fuel after thorough safety evaluations of the fuel tank and associated systems.'
The origin of the fire remains undetermined, with speculation suggesting it may have been linked to a portable battery or other items located in an overhead compartment, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
On January 30, South Korean authorities successfully retrieved the black boxes from the Air Busan jet that caught fire at the airport, as they prepared for safety measures ahead of the investigation launch.
During a meeting on Thursday, the aviation and railway accident investigation board, along with local police, firefighting units, and the National Forensic Service, convened to strategize on ensuring safety while conducting the joint investigation, considering the fuel stored within the aircraft's wings.
They aimed to finalize detailed investigation plans after a site visit to assess relevant conditions and safety protocols later that day.
This incident occurred less than a month after a Jeju Air passenger jet tragically crashed at Muan International Airport, resulting in the loss of all but two lives among the 181 passengers. This was noted as the most catastrophic aviation disaster in South Korea’s history.
