70s Dies During Physical Fitness Test... Carried 15L Pump for 2km Round Trip

A scene from the physical fitness test for hiring wildfire monitors conducted in Uichang-gu, Changwon City. Physical fitness is evaluated through activities such as running 2 km while carrying a backpack pump. Provided by Changwon City

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Hwang Choi-hyunju] A man in his 70s who took the wildfire monitoring physical fitness test in Changwon, Gyeongnam, collapsed and was transported to a hospital but died.

According to the police and fire authorities on the 24th, Mr. A (71) collapsed during the wildfire monitoring physical fitness test in Buk-myeon, Uichang-gu on the 22nd, was transported to a hospital and received emergency treatment, but ultimately passed away.

Mr. A reportedly collapsed about 50 to 60 meters before the finish line during the physical fitness test, which involved walking back and forth 2 km on a hilly road carrying a 15L pump on his back. The test requires completion within 25 minutes. Two safety personnel dispatched by Uichang District Office and the 119 rescue team transported Mr. A to the hospital, but he died.

An official from the Buk-myeon Administrative Welfare Center said, "There is an evaluation item in the wildfire monitoring physical fitness test that involves walking while carrying a backpack pump, and it was conducted on that day as well. We understand that the examinee collapsed during the physical fitness test and was transported to the hospital."

The police are investigating the exact cause of death by questioning those involved in the physical fitness test and witnesses.