Three casualties confirmed in Gwangmyeong apartment fire, scale of human damage expands

The number of fatalities from a fire incident at an apartment in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province has risen to three.

According to police and other sources on the 18th, two individuals who were critically injured in the fire succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at a hospital that morning.

Prior to this, a woman in her sixties, who was in cardiac arrest, also passed away. As a result, the total human damage from this fire has been reported as three deaths, nine serious injuries, and 55 minor injuries.

The fire broke out around 9:10 PM the previous night in the first-floor piloti parking area of a ten-story apartment building located in Soha-dong, Gwangmyeong. The fire was completely extinguished after approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes; however, the flames spread to the rooftop, leading to greater casualties.

Potential cause of the fire presumed to be an electrical short circuit, which facilitated fire spread due to insulation material

On the same day, fire authorities conducted a site investigation and confirmed short circuit marks on the electrical cables in the ceiling of the parking area, which served as the ignition point.

This indicates that a short circuit occurred while electricity was flowing, and authorities suspect it to be a fire caused by electrical leakage. They plan to determine the exact cause of the fire through a joint inspection in the future.

It has been determined that insulation material was installed around the cable ties in the ceiling where the fire started, which led to rapid fire spread.

The insulation material is presumed to be a combustible isopink material, which is suspected to have produced toxic gases during combustion.

The apartment was approved for use in 2014, and it is reported that it was not subject to mandatory use of non-combustible finishing materials or installation of sprinklers.

Gwangmyeong City establishes task force and comprehensive measures to support fire victims

Gwangmyeong City has formed a dedicated task force (TF) in response to the fire incident to provide comprehensive support.

Mayor Park Seung-won held a meeting regarding the 'Soha-dong Apartment Fire Incident Response' and instructed, "The safety of citizens is a top priority. Establish a dedicated TF to respond comprehensively to support the victims of the incident."

Immediately following the incident, the city set up a tent at the Gwangmyeong Citizens' Gymnasium to create a temporary shelter for evacuees and provided relief supplies including bottled water, snacks, and beverages.

To enhance on-site response, the city plans to establish a TF office (tentatively named the On-Site Response Support Center) near the incident site at the local administrative welfare center.

Additionally, Gwangmyeong City is preparing to provide safe housing operated by the city for residents at the shelter before they return to their residences, and is coordinating with the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) to secure additional temporary housing.

Furthermore, the city is also considering installing safety fences and mobile CCTV at the incident site to prevent theft and other crimes.

Image source: Gwangmyeong apartment parking lot fire scene / News1