19 Injured and Killed in Je2 Gyeongin Expressway Fire... Lee Sang-min Orders "Full Rescue Efforts"

2 Dead, 2 Seriously Injured, 15 Slightly Injured So Far

At around 1:50 PM on the 29th, a fire broke out in the soundproof tunnel section near Bukuiwang IC on the 2nd Gyeongin Expressway in Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, sending black smoke billowing into the air. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Minister of the Interior and Safety Sangmin Lee issued an emergency directive to mobilize all available equipment and personnel to fully suppress the fire that occurred on the 2nd Gyeongin Connection Expressway.

At around 1:54 PM on the 29th, a fire broke out following a collision between a bus and a truck on the northbound side of the Galhyeon Overpass on the 2nd Gyeongin Expressway in Galhyeon-dong, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi Province. The fire from the truck spread to the soundproof tunnel, rapidly engulfing the area in thick smoke.

The current confirmed casualties total 19 people: 2 dead, 2 seriously injured, and 15 with minor injuries. The extent of property damage is under investigation.

Minister Lee stated, “I urge the Fire Department, the 2nd Gyeongin Connection Expressway authorities, Gwacheon City, and related agencies to ensure the safety of firefighters and to make every effort to suppress the fire. Additionally, I hope they will do their utmost in search and rescue operations for those who have not yet evacuated.”

He also requested, “Please take thorough measures to prevent secondary damage to nearby roads and surrounding residents.”

Meanwhile, efforts are currently underway to extinguish the fire and prevent its spread.