Support Continues for Elementary Student Who Died Alone in Fire

About 8 Million Won in Donations Designated for Support

After the story of a 12-year-old elementary school student who died five days after a fire broke out while she was home alone during vacation became known, a wave of support to help the bereaved family has continued.

Yonhap News reported on the 4th, citing Seo-gu, Incheon, that donations are being collected to help the family of A (12), a fifth-grade elementary school student who died in a recent villa fire. As of this day, the donations have reached about 8.3 million won. Donors designated their contributions through the Incheon Community Chest of Korea, saying, "Please use it for A."

A, who died in the fire. Provided by A's family. Photo by Yonhap News.

A woman in her 50s also expressed her willingness to support in an email sent to Yonhap News, saying, "I contacted you hoping there might be an opportunity to offer even a small help," and added, "It is not because I have extra resources, but I want to comfort A’s parents."

It is reported that the funeral expenses for A will cost about 10 million won. A’s funeral hall will be set up on the morning of the 5th at the Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital funeral hall in Seo-gu, Incheon. The funeral procession will be held the next day, the 6th, in the morning.

According to a Seo-gu official, A’s parents, grieving the loss of their child, expressed their intention to hold the funeral in just one day. Seo-gu has provided emergency living expenses of 1.54 million won for three months to A’s parents after the fire, and with the help of Korea Land & Housing Corporation (LH), will provide rental housing free of charge for three months. Essential daily necessities such as electric rice cookers and bedding have already been supported, and a winter season blind spot support fund of 500,000 won will also be given to A’s parents.

A’s mother told Yonhap News in a phone interview that "My husband still needs to undergo kidney dialysis," and added, "A representative from a support organization also visited and expressed their willingness to help." Seo-gu plans to ask local businesses for donations to assist A’s family as well.

Photo of the fire scene. Provided by Incheon Fire Headquarters

Earlier, A suffered severe injuries from a fire that broke out at her home in Simgok-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon, while she was alone at around 10:43 a.m. on the 26th of last month. A, who dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, was declared brain dead and passed away at 11:05 a.m. on the 3rd.

On the same day, A’s family decided to donate four organs, including the heart and kidneys, following the medical staff’s recommendation. The Incheon Western Police Station is reportedly planning to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of A’s death.