South Korea: Black Boxes Retrieved from Fire-Destroyed Air Busan Plane; French Team to Join Investigation
South Korean authorities have retrieved black boxes from the Air Busan passenger plane that caught fire earlier this week at Gimhae International Airport in Busan. The retrieval comes as the authorities prepare to launch a detailed investigation into the incident.
Seoul: South Korean authorities have retrieved black boxes from the Air Busan passenger plane that caught fire earlier this week at Gimhae International Airport in Busan. The retrieval comes as the authorities prepare to launch a detailed investigation into the incident.
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On Tuesday, the Airbus plane, operated by budget carrier Air Busan and bound for Hong Kong, caught fire before takeoff. The 176 people on board were safely evacuated using an escape slide, though seven individuals sustained minor injuries, according to Yonhap news agency.
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Cause of the Fire Remains Unclear
The cause of the blaze remains undetermined, but there are speculations that it could have been caused by a portable battery or other items stored in the overhead bins. The aviation and railway accident investigation board, along with local police, firefighting agencies, and the National Forensic Service, held a meeting on Thursday to discuss safety measures and the investigation process, as the plane still contained 35,000 pounds of fuel in its wings.
Authorities are set to decide on the next steps in the investigation after visiting the scene to assess the situation and ensure safety during the probe.
Safety Concerns and Challenges in the Investigation
“If the plane catches fire again during the investigation, it could explode,” an official warned. “We will decide whether to defuel the plane, though it seems challenging because the fuselage was damaged.”
French Team to Join Investigation
In compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations, a French team of investigators will arrive at the airport later in the day to assist in the investigation. This is standard protocol when a nation involved in the design or manufacture of the aircraft participates in an investigation.
Passengers Report Flames and Smoke Before Takeoff
Some passengers reported seeing flames in an overhead bin in the rear left section of the plane, accompanied by crackling sounds and smoke. “We will keep all possibilities open to find the exact cause of the fire,” said a ministry official.
Previous Incidents and Growing Concerns Over Carry-On Luggage
This incident follows a similar occurrence in January, where a fire broke out on an Air Busan plane before takeoff due to a portable battery carried by a passenger. With multiple similar incidents in recent times, there have been calls for stricter regulations on carry-on luggage.
Investigators will also review the airline’s adherence to safety regulations and its handling of the situation, while keeping the possibility of terrorism in mind, though no signs of terrorist involvement have been detected so far.
Recent Aviation Tragedy in South Korea
This incident occurred less than a month after the devastating crash of a Jeju Air passenger plane at Muan International Airport, which resulted in the deaths of all but two of the 181 people on board. It remains the worst aviation disaster in South Korea’s history.
