Cause of Fire in Guryong Village Suspected to Be 'Electrical Issue'... No Arson Reports or Complaints Received

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The fire that broke out in the shantytown of Guryong Village in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, is presumed by the fire authorities to have originated from electrical causes.

According to the fire authorities and police on the 24th, the two agencies conducted joint inspections consecutively on the 20th, the day the fire occurred, and the following day. The fire authorities continue to investigate the site whenever additional reports are received.

There are almost no CCTVs inside Guryong Village. Because of this, the fire authorities and police are tracking the initial ignition point based on witness statements.

There have been no reports or notifications so far of suspicious individuals around the fire scene or anyone seen setting the fire.

According to the first inspection results, the fire is believed to have started from electrical causes at a house near a church in District 4, and the exact cause of the fire is under investigation.

Fires excluding arson or accidental fires typically occur due to electrical or mechanical causes, gas leaks, traffic accidents, etc. Electrical causes include short circuits, electric leakage, and overloads in wires or electrical devices.

A fire official stated, "Based on the comprehensive inspection results, the fire is presumed to have been caused by electrical factors," adding, "The entire affected area was completely burned down, making it difficult to determine the exact cause."