Fire Halts Subway Services between Yeouido and Aeogae Stations in Seoul
Published: 31 May 2025, 09:35
Updated: 31 May 2025, 10:41
A fire broke out on a Line No. 5 subway train traveling between Yeouinaru and Mapo stations in Seoul on Saturday morning, causing disruptions to services between Yeouido and Aeogae stations. According to Seoul Metro, as reported by Korea Joongang Daily, the fire has since been extinguished and services resumed at 10:15 a.m.
The fire was reported at 8:43 a.m. and is suspected to have been caused by an older male passenger who set the fire inside the train using gasoline, according to local authorities. The suspect attempted to escape but was arrested by police at Yeouinaru Station. The fire was put out with an extinguisher placed inside the train carriage. Passengers were evacuated through a tunnel and no casualties have been reported currently, authorities said.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with passengers forced to evacuate the train and make their way through the tunnel. "I was on my way to work when the fire broke out," said one passenger. "The train stopped suddenly and the conductor told us to evacuate. We had to make our way through the tunnel to safety."
According to Korea Joongang Daily, the incident caused significant disruptions to morning commute, with many passengers forced to find alternative routes to their destinations. Seoul Metro officials apologized for the inconvenience and promised to investigate the cause of the fire.
The investigation into the fire is ongoing, with police and authorities working to determine the motive behind the suspect’s actions. The suspect is currently in custody and is being questioned by police.
The fire highlights the importance of safety measures on public transportation systems. According to Korea Joongang Daily, Seoul Metro has implemented various safety measures, including the installation of fire extinguishers and emergency response systems.
In a statement, Seoul Metro officials said, "We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the fire and are working to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. We will continue to prioritize passenger safety and take all necessary measures to ensure the safe operation of our services."
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety on public transportation systems. As reported by Korea Joongang Daily, the swift response of authorities and emergency services helped to prevent any casualties.
BY JIN EUN-SOO
Sources:
- Korea Joongang Daily: "Fire halts subway services between Yeouido and Aeogae stations in Seoul"
- YONHAP: "Passengers of Line No. 5 subway evacuate through a tunnel on the morning of May 31 after a fire broke out inside the compartment."
- NEWS1: "Police restrict access to Mapo Station on Saturday morning after a fire broke on a Line No. 5 subway train traveling between Yeouinaru and Mapo stations."
