South Korean airliner destroyed by blaze before flight

STORY: An Air Busan flight caught fire on Tuesday night at South Korea’s Gimhae International Airport in Busan…

just before departure to Hong Kong.

Fire authorities confirmed all 169 passengers and seven crew members were safely evacuated, with three sustaining minor injuries.

The fire engulfed a 17-year-old Airbus A321ceo plane around 10:30 at night.

Investigations are underway, with Busan Mayor Park Heong-Joon calling for a review of aviation safety.

“We can’t confirm the exact cause (of the plane fire) yet, but the fact that this big accident that burned down the plane should be used as an opportunity to check the entire aviation system we have.”

Tuesday’s incident follows last month’s deadly Jeju Air crash in Muan, which killed 179 people.

Some in the capital Seoul on Wednesday told Reuters the recent incidents had them anxious about flying.

“In the past there weren’t any incidents, but these days, there have been a lot of plane accidents for some reason. I’m a little nervous and worried about so many accidents happening, and I’m a little reluctant to fly on a plane.”

Airbus said it was aware of Tuesday’s incident and was liaising with Air Busan.

The airline and its parent company, Asiana Airlines, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Korean Air, which acquired Asiana in December, directed inquiries to Air Busan.