Remains of Missing Firefighter Found at Coupang Logistics Center Fire Site

Search Resumed This Morning for Only 1 Hour and 30 Minutes

On the morning of the 19th, firefighters are entering the building at the Coupang Deokpyeong Logistics Center fire site in Majang-myeon, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] A firefighter who entered the building at the Coupang Deokpyeong Logistics Center fire site in Icheon-si, Gyeonggi Province, but could not escape in time, was ultimately found dead.

At around 12:10 PM on the 19th, the fire department discovered the remains of one body presumed to be Kim Dong-sik, the 52-year-old captain of the 119 Rescue Team from Gwangju Fire Station, Gyeonggi Province, on the second basement floor of the logistics center building. This was 1 hour and 30 minutes after the rescue operation resumed following a safety inspection of the building earlier that morning, which concluded it was safe to deploy the rescue team.

Captain Kim entered the second basement floor of the building at around 11:20 AM on the 17th, the day of the fire, with four colleagues to conduct a search for survivors but was unable to exit alone. Shortly after entering the site, a withdrawal radio order was issued, and Kim and his colleagues retraced their path to exit. Kim stayed at the rear, ensuring the escape situation and allowing his juniors to exit first. Thanks to Kim’s dedication, his colleagues safely left the site, but Kim himself did not make it out.

Kim joined the fire service in 1994 and began his career as a firefighter at Goyang Fire Station in Gyeonggi Province. Over 27 years, he served in key departments such as rescue teams, prevention teams, and fire investigation at fire stations in Hanam, Yangpyeong, and Yongin. Known as a veteran firefighter dedicated to life rescue and disaster response, he held various certifications including Emergency Medical Technician Level 2, Land Mobile Radio Operator, and Hazardous Materials Technician.