A fire caused by arson broke out at a motel in Gongdeok-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, at around 2:39 a.m. on the 25th, resulting in 2 deaths and 9 injuries. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The police have applied for an arrest warrant for a man in his 60s who set fire in a fit of anger after arguing with a motel owner, resulting in the deaths of two people.
On the 25th, the Mapo Police Station in Seoul announced that they had applied for an arrest warrant for Mr. A (69), who was arrested on charges of arson and manslaughter of a dwelling.
Mr. A is accused of setting fire with a lighter in a room on the first floor of a motel building in Gongdeok-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, where he was staying long-term, at around 2:39 a.m. that day.
The fire caused the deaths of two people among 14 motel staff and guests, and nine others were taken to the hospital for treatment. The motel is a 50-year-old aging building scheduled for demolition next month, reportedly without sprinklers and with the alarm system not functioning.
Investigations revealed that Mr. A, intoxicated, asked the motel owner for alcohol but was refused, which angered him and led to the crime. After setting the fire, instead of reporting it, he went to a nearby convenience store and then called 119 (emergency services) complaining of stomach pain. While being transported to the hospital, he confessed to the firefighters that he had set the motel on fire.
The firefighters handed Mr. A over to the police, and he was subsequently urgently arrested. Mr. A is reported to have admitted all charges. The police and fire authorities are investigating the extent of the damage and the exact circumstances of the incident.
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