Cause of Fire at Seocheon Specialty Market Identified as Electrical... Three Short Circuit Marks Found

Investigation Closed Without Finding Arson or Negligence Charges

The cause of the fire that occurred last January at the Chungnam Seocheon Specialty Market was determined to be an 'electrical factor' according to the investigation results.

On the 3rd, the Chungnam Provincial Police Agency reported that the investigation team analyzed CCTV footage from the accident site and confirmed sparks flying from a store in the seafood building on the first floor, identifying it as the initial ignition point and conducting an investigation.

As a result of a detailed investigation of the ignition point conducted together with the National Forensic Service, fire department, and Korea Electric Power Corporation, three short-circuit marks (traces of broken wires) were found, including two suspected electrical wiring points and one electric heater heating wire.

The police investigated facility management issues and possible negligent inspections by questioning affected merchants, public officials, and electrical and fire facility inspection companies, but found no negligence.

A police official stated, "The investigation into the Seocheon Specialty Market fire concluded without finding any charges of arson or negligence."

Earlier, on January 22 at 11:08 p.m., a fire broke out at the Seocheon Specialty Market, completely destroying 227 stores.