A passenger plane caught fire at Busan Airport in South Korea on Tuesday evening, but fortunately, all 169 passengers and seven crew members were safely evacuated, with no fatalities reported.

The fire, which broke out at around 22:30 local time, is believed to have started in the rear section of the Air Busan aircraft, which had arrived from Hong Kong.

According to Yonhap News Agency, emergency response teams were quick to act as passengers evacuated the aircraft using an inflatable slide. Three individuals sustained minor injuries during the evacuation, but no one was critically harmed.

Images from the scene showed flames rising from the roof of the plane, and firefighting teams rushed to the site to extinguish the blaze.

Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire or whether it started in mid-flight or after the plane had safely landed at Busan. Investigations are ongoing, and further details are expected in the coming days.

This incident comes just a month after South Korea witnessed one of its deadliest aviation accidents. In late December, a Jeju Air passenger plane crashed shortly after landing at Muan International Airport.

The crash claimed the lives of 179 out of 181 passengers and crew on board. Preliminary reports from investigators indicated the possible involvement of bird strikes, with feathers and duck DNA found in both engines.

In contrast to the tragic Jeju Air disaster, the Busan Airport fire has been described as a fortunate escape.

Emergency services, including fire and rescue teams, responded swiftly to the unfolding emergency. The quick evacuation of all passengers is being credited with preventing a greater disaster.

Air Busan, a South Korean low-cost carrier, has expressed its relief over the safe evacuation of everyone on board. The airline confirmed that all passengers were provided with immediate assistance and accommodations following the incident.

Authorities are still working to determine whether the fire was caused by mechanical failure, a technical issue, or other factors.

Flight operations at Busan Airport were temporarily disrupted as a result of the incident, with several incoming flights delayed. However, the airport was able to resume normal operations after the area was secured.

While air travel safety is closely monitored in South Korea, incidents like these raise ongoing concerns over the safety of aviation procedures, especially in light of recent events.

This latest incident has prompted calls for a review of emergency evacuation procedures and fire safety protocols at airports across the country.

As investigations continue, the South Korean aviation authorities have vowed to ensure that the incident will be thoroughly examined, with a particular focus on preventing future occurrences. The public’s attention remains on how South Korea will improve aviation safety measures after this latest close call.