In a shocking incident that occurred on Monday morning in the Bongcheon district of southern Seoul, South Korean police have announced their search for a man suspected of setting fire to a 21-story apartment building, which resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to at least eleven others, two of whom are in serious condition.
Initial reports indicate that the fire erupted shortly after 8:17 a.m., swiftly engulfing the fourth floor of the building in smoke, as firefighters worked to bring the situation under control. Eyewitness accounts and media coverage captured alarming images of the building as thick plumes of smoke billowed from its upper levels. Emergency responders managed to extinguish the fire within approximately an hour.
Tragically, firefighters recovered the body of a man who succumbed to severe burns, while two elderly women, aged 70 and 80, were critically injured after falling from the fourth floor in their attempts to escape the flames. Other residents experienced various injuries, primarily related to smoke inhalation, prompting immediate medical assistance and evaluations.
The police in the Gwanak borough of Seoul have focused their investigation on a man in his 60s, described by witnesses as the individual who purportedly initiated the blaze using a pesticide sprayer filled with a combustible substance. This revelation has intensified the urgency for authorities to locate the suspect, who remains at large following the incident.
Choe Sang-Hun, a seasoned reporter for The Times located in Seoul, is providing ongoing coverage of the unfolding event, reflecting the concerns of residents and the broader implications for safety in high-density residential areas amidst rising concerns over fire hazards and preventative measures.
Initial reports indicate that the fire erupted shortly after 8:17 a.m., swiftly engulfing the fourth floor of the building in smoke, as firefighters worked to bring the situation under control. Eyewitness accounts and media coverage captured alarming images of the building as thick plumes of smoke billowed from its upper levels. Emergency responders managed to extinguish the fire within approximately an hour.
Tragically, firefighters recovered the body of a man who succumbed to severe burns, while two elderly women, aged 70 and 80, were critically injured after falling from the fourth floor in their attempts to escape the flames. Other residents experienced various injuries, primarily related to smoke inhalation, prompting immediate medical assistance and evaluations.
The police in the Gwanak borough of Seoul have focused their investigation on a man in his 60s, described by witnesses as the individual who purportedly initiated the blaze using a pesticide sprayer filled with a combustible substance. This revelation has intensified the urgency for authorities to locate the suspect, who remains at large following the incident.
Choe Sang-Hun, a seasoned reporter for The Times located in Seoul, is providing ongoing coverage of the unfolding event, reflecting the concerns of residents and the broader implications for safety in high-density residential areas amidst rising concerns over fire hazards and preventative measures.
