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An Air Busan flight headed to Fukuoka, Japan, was forced to abort its takeoff from Gimhae International Airport (PUS) in Busan, South Korea, after one of its engines caught fire. The incident prompted a full emergency evacuation of all 165 passengers and crew members on board. No serious injuries were reported, though several individuals received treatment for minor issues sustained during the evacuation.
The event unfolded as the Boeing 737 aircraft was accelerating on the runway. Passengers reported hearing a loud bang, and flames were then seen erupting from the left engine. The pilots immediately initiated an aborted takeoff procedure, bringing the aircraft to a halt. Crew members then ordered the evacuation, with passengers exiting the plane via emergency slides. According to reports, the engine caught fire during its takeoff roll, leading to the swift response from the flight crew.
Airport emergency services were on the scene within minutes and successfully extinguished the blaze. The rapid response was crucial in preventing the fire from spreading to the rest of the aircraft. While there were no fatalities, officials confirmed that a handful of passengers, with some reports citing up to seven, were treated for minor scrapes and bruises incurred while using the inflatable slides. The incident caused temporary disruptions at Gimhae International Airport, with several flights delayed while the runway was inspected.
Following the incident, South Korean aviation authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the engine failure. Air Busan has stated it is fully cooperating with the investigation led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The probe will likely focus on mechanical failure and maintenance records. The successful evacuation procedure has been praised as a testament to the crew's professionalism under pressure. All passengers were later accommodated by the airline, which arranged alternative travel plans while the involved aircraft was removed from service for a thorough technical examination.
