[Summary] Stabbing and Arson... 'Smoking Fight' at Gimcheon General Hospital Causes Burns to 3 and Evacuation of Over 30 People

Police Investigate on Charges Including Arson of Occupied Building

On the afternoon of the 18th, a patient in his 50s wielded a weapon and set fire at a hospital in Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk, injuring a total of five people. The photo shows the bed sheet set on fire by the perpetrator. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] A man in his 50s who wielded a weapon at a caregiver and set fire to a hospital room at a general hospital in Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk, was arrested by the police. It is reported that the patient committed the crime after a dispute with another patient over smoking in the bathroom.

The Gimcheon Police Station in Gyeongbuk announced on the 19th that they have booked and are investigating a man in his 50s, Mr. A, on charges including arson of an inhabited building after he wielded a weapon and set fire to bed sheets on the 6th floor of Gimcheon Jeil Hospital at 10:26 p.m. on the 18th.

Mr. A repeatedly wielded a weapon at the face of a fellow patient in his 60s, Mr. B, and a caregiver, Ms. C, who were using the same hospital room. He also set fire with a lighter to the beds where three patients with limited mobility were lying, causing burns.

Fellow patient Mr. B told SBS in an interview, "I saw something like a knife flashing in the dark. Then he stabbed me without hesitation," and described the situation, saying, "He said, 'Let's all die together, you and me,' and then set the fire."

A hospital official also stated, "(Mr. A) set fire in two multi-patient rooms," adding, "He went not only to his own room but also to other places, locked the doors, and set fires."

The photo shows the crime scene. [Image source=Yonhap News]

In the process, Mr. B and Ms. C sustained minor injuries. Three patients with limited mobility who could not escape the fire suffered burn injuries. It is reported that about 30 other inpatients were urgently evacuated. The fire was extinguished by hospital staff before firefighters arrived.

During the police investigation, Mr. A reportedly stated, "A few hours before the crime, I had a dispute with another patient over smoking in the bathroom, and I committed the crime out of dissatisfaction with hospital life."

It is also known that Mr. A began receiving treatment at this hospital about a month ago and had previously suffered from mental illnesses such as alcohol dependence.

The police arrested Mr. A at the scene and are investigating the exact circumstances of the incident.