Tragic Incident Involving Firefighters Responding to the Itaewon Disaster

Sad news continues to emerge regarding the firefighters who responded to the Itaewon disaster.

Following the discovery of a firefighter who had been suffering from depression found dead, news of another firefighter, who exhibited similar symptoms, has recently come to light.

The Gyeongnam Fire Department announced on the 21st that a 40-year-old firefighter, identified as A, from the Goseong Fire Station was found dead at his home in Gyeongnam Province on the 29th of last month. An investigation by the police found no evidence pointing to foul play.

Firefighter A was deployed to the scene during the Itaewon disaster that occurred on October 29, 2022, as part of the Yongsan Fire Station.

It is reported that he experienced significant psychological shock after witnessing the transport of multiple deceased bodies and the cries of grieving relatives, and subsequently suffered from mental distress, including anxiety disorders.

After transferring from the Yongsan Fire Station to the Goseong Fire Station at the end of February this year, A continued to take sick leaves and extended vacation time due to his condition. Unfortunately, he was ultimately found dead at the end of last month while on another sick leave.

Recognition of Death as a Work-Related Incident and Follow-Up Actions

Before moving to the Goseong Fire Station, Firefighter A applied for work-related leave but was informed in June by the Personnel Innovation Agency that his application was denied due to lack of recognition of work-relatedness.

Currently, it has been reported that the family of Firefighter A is preparing to apply for recognition of his death as a work-related incident. The Gyeongnam Fire Department stated that they will actively support related follow-up procedures once the bereaved family expresses their intent to apply.

Meanwhile, on the 20th, it was also reported that a firefighter in his 30s, who had been suffering from depression after responding to the Itaewon disaster, was found dead ten days after going missing.

Image Source: In the early morning of October 30, 2022, medical personnel, police, and firefighters are seen recovering the area where a massive crush incident occurred in Itaewon, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. / News1, News1