Only the Framework Remains of the 120,000㎡ Logistics Center
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The fire that broke out at Coupang's Deokpyeong Logistics Center in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province on the 17th was completely extinguished six days later on the 22nd.
The fire authorities declared the fire fully extinguished after finishing the mop-up operations around 4:12 p.m. that day. It took about 129 hours since the fire started.
The logistics center building, with a total floor area of 127,178.58㎡ spanning 4 floors above ground and 2 basement levels, was completely burned down, leaving only the framework. All 16.2 million stored items inside the building, which amounted to approximately 53,000㎥ in volume, as well as the paper and plastic used for packaging, were also completely burned.
The property damage caused by this fire has not yet been calculated. Considering that the building was insured under a comprehensive property insurance policy with a coverage amount of 401.5 billion KRW, analysts estimate the damage could reach several hundred billion KRW.
The fire started around 5:20 a.m. on the 17th in the basement level 2. Since the first flames were captured on CCTV coming from electrical wires on the shelves inside the goods warehouse, it is presumed that the fire was caused by an electrical factor.
The fire authorities controlled the major flames by 12:25 p.m. on the 19th, two days after the fire broke out, and downgraded the alarm to Response Level 1, mobilizing all personnel from the local fire station. The response level was lifted around 4 p.m. the next day, the 20th. However, firefighting personnel and equipment were maintained while mop-up operations continued until they were completed on the 22nd.
All Coupang employees evacuated during the fire. However, Kim Dong-sik, the rescue team leader of the Gwangju Fire Station 119 Rescue Team in Gyeonggi Province, entered the basement level 2 of the building but was unable to escape due to the spreading flames and was reported missing. He was found deceased on the 19th, the third day after the fire broke out.
The police and fire authorities plan to conduct a joint on-site investigation next week with the National Forensic Service and the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation.
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