Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju Provides Medical Support for Residents Affected by Fire

108 Households Evacuated
More Than 53 Residents Report Symptoms

Gwangsan-gu in Gwangju is operating a medical counseling center to reduce damage to residents caused by the Kumho Tire Gwangju factory fire.

On May 18, Gwangsan-gu announced, "We have begun providing medical support, including psychological counseling and hospital referrals, for residents experiencing physical symptoms or psychological distress due to prolonged smoke exposure from the large-scale fire."

The counseling centers have been set up at three locations: the gymnasium of Gwangju Women's University, where evacuees are temporarily staying, the first floor of Gwangsan-gu Office, and the former public health center in Hanam 3rd District.

As a result of this fire, a total of 203 residents from 108 households have evacuated to temporary shelters. Of these, 53 residents have reported physical symptoms such as headaches or difficulty breathing.

Since immediately after the fire, Gwangsan-gu has distributed approximately 23,000 dust masks to apartment complexes and Gwangju Songjeong Station in the vicinity. On the morning of May 18, an additional 10,000 masks were provided to local shopping areas and apartment complexes. Water-spraying vehicles are also being operated to reduce dust damage.

Gwangsan-gu plans to consult with Kumho Tire regarding compensation procedures and methods to ensure that affected residents are properly compensated.

Park Byungkyu, head of Gwangsan-gu, stated, "We will establish and implement comprehensive measures to minimize secondary damage to residents' health and property."

Previously, the Kumho Tire Gwangju factory fire broke out at approximately 7:11 a.m. on May 17 during the mixing process of raw rubber and chemicals, spreading to adjacent areas. The fire burned 60 to 70 percent of Plant 2 (the west plant) and was brought under control at 2:40 p.m. on May 18, after 31 hours and 40 minutes.