Itaewon Tragedy Families Mourn Fallen Firefighters… "The Government is Responsible"

The families of those affected by the October 29 Itaewon tragedy have expressed deep condolences upon hearing the news of a firefighter who, after conducting rescue operations at the scene of the disaster, succumbed to depression and ultimately passed away.

The families organization conveyed their sympathy to the deceased's family and criticized, stating, "The government's negligence in addressing the trauma of the rescuers is significant."

On the 20th, the Itaewon Disaster Victims' Family Council and the Citizens' Countermeasure Committee released a statement in memory, saying, "We feel an overwhelming despair and sorrow upon hearing that the firefighter has sadly passed away." They continued, "The previous government's failure to heal the psychological and emotional trauma of the rescuers, including firefighters and police officers dedicated at the scene of the disaster, is substantial."

Deceased Firefighter Struggled with Depression After the Tragedy

According to police, around 12:30 PM on the 20th, a 30-year-old firefighter identified as A from a certain fire station was found dead beneath a bridge near the Gyeonggi Province city of Siheung along the Metropolitan Expressway No. 1.

A was reported missing after leaving a vehicle and abandoning his mobile phone near the Nam-Incheon Tollgate in the early hours of October 10. His body was discovered approximately 8 to 9 kilometers away from that location, in an advanced state of decomposition.

A had reportedly been diagnosed with depression and undergone treatment since being dispatched to the Itaewon disaster scene in October 2022. It is said that he left a note to his family and friends expressing "I’m sorry" just before going missing.

Police Launch Investigation into the Circumstances of Death

Police have begun an investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the death. The families organization urged, "The deceased was someone who led the charge to protect the lives of the people," adding that "The state must also take responsibility for the psychological healing measures for the rescuers as well as the victims of the disaster."

This incident highlights once again that the trauma suffered extends beyond the direct victims of the Itaewon tragedy to those who participated in the rescue operations.

Image source: A's family's created flyer, memorial messages posted in the memorial space set up on the streets of Itaewon on the night of the 28th / News1