Fire in a Lodging House in Chungju Claims the Lives of a Mother and Son… Washing Machine Fire Estimated as the Cause

A tragic incident occurred in a lodging house located in Chungin-dong, Chungju, where a fire broke out, resulting in the deaths of an elderly mother in her 80s and her son in his 60s.

According to the Chungju Fire Department on the 5th, the fire occurred around 11:45 PM on the 4th, on the first floor of the three-story lodging house (multi-family residence).

The fire authorities received a report from a resident stating "there is smoke coming from the door" and immediately dispatched firefighters. They fully extinguished the fire by approximately 11:53 PM, just 8 minutes after the report.

However, during the building inspection, the bodies of an 80-year-old woman, referred to as A, and her 60-year-old son, referred to as B, were found dead in the bathroom and kitchen, respectively.

Presumed Washing Machine Fire… A Property Damage of 8.33 Million Won Incurred

The deceased mother and son were reportedly living together in the lodging house, paying monthly rent.

The fire burned an area of 25 square meters on the first floor where they resided, causing an estimated property damage of 8.33 million won according to the fire department.

A representative from the fire department stated, "It appears that the fire originated from the washing machine inside the place where the deceased were living." Police and fire officials suspect the fire was caused by electrical factors and are currently investigating the precise cause. A representative from the fire department stated, "It appears that the fire originated from the washing machine inside the place where the deceased were living." Police and fire officials suspect the fire was caused by electrical factors and are currently investigating the precise cause.

Image source: Chungju Fire Department, reference photo for better understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank