Suspected Arsonist Arrested After Seoul Subway Fire
A dramatic scene unfolded on a Seoul subway train on Friday morning when a suspected arsonist set fire to the train, prompting the evacuation of over 400 passengers. According to reports from the Korea Herald, a 60-something man was arrested on Saturday morning in connection with the incident.
The suspect, who was carrying a jerrycan of gasoline and a torch lighter, was apprehended near Yeouinaru Station at around 9:45 a.m., approximately an hour after the fire broke out between Yeouinaru and Mapo stations on Line 5. The swift response of the authorities and emergency services helped to prevent any major casualties, although 21 people were taken to hospital for examination. Fortunately, the injuries sustained by the passengers were minor, ranging from abrasions to smoke inhalations.
The fire, which is believed to have been caused by the suspect’s actions, was quickly brought under control and extinguished by 10:24 a.m. The Seoul Metro, the subway operator, had briefly suspended services on Line 5 due to the incident, but all trains are now fully operational. The subway car itself did not sustain significant damage, allowing services to resume quickly.
The Korea Herald reports that the suspect’s motives are still being investigated, but the fact that he was carrying a jerrycan of gasoline and a torch lighter suggests that he may have intended to cause significant harm. The authorities are working to determine the cause of the fire and to establish whether the suspect acted alone.
As reported by the Korea Herald, the incident caused significant disruption to the morning commute, with many passengers forced to evacuate the train and seek alternative transportation. However, thanks to the quick response of the emergency services, the situation was brought under control relatively quickly.
The Korea Herald also reports that the incident has raised concerns about safety on Seoul’s public transportation system. While the authorities have assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness.
According to the Korea Herald, Yonhap news agency provided images of passengers evacuating through a tunnel after the fire broke out, highlighting the swift and orderly evacuation of the train. The images show passengers making their way to safety, with emergency responders and firefighters on the scene.
The Korea Herald stated that "Over 400 passengers had evacuated the train, some sustaining minor injuries ranging from abrasions to smoke inhalations. Twenty-one people were taken to a hospital for examination." The Korea Herald also mentioned that "The fire was put out completely at 10:24 a.m."
In a statement, the authorities confirmed that "A man suspected of setting fire on a Seoul subway train on Line 5 has been arrested, police said Saturday morning." As reported by the Korea Herald, the suspect was taken into custody near Yeouinaru Station at around 9:45 a.m. on Saturday.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of public safety and the need for vigilance in preventing such incidents. As reported by the Korea Herald, the authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and to work to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The Korea Herald will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
