No Fire Occurred... False "Fire Emergency, Evacuate" Announcements Repeatedly Broadcast on Line 5 Train

"Malfunction of Aging Broadcasting Equipment"

Recently, a false "fire emergency announcement" was broadcast inside Seoul Subway Line 5, where a fire had occurred due to arson by a man in his 60s.

According to Yonhap News on July 4, around 11 a.m. that day, an announcement repeatedly aired on Seoul Subway Line 5 train number 5094, stating, "There is a fire on this train. Please cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or clothing and evacuate quickly to a safe place."

The photo shows the emergency door open/close handle inside a Seoul Subway Line 5 train on the 2nd. (This photo is not directly related to the article.) Photo by Yonhap News

However, there was no fire on the train at that time. It was reported that a malfunction in the aging broadcasting equipment caused a pre-recorded fire evacuation announcement to be played automatically.

Although there was no major chaos on the train, citizens were startled by the fire announcement, which came just one month after the arson incident on Subway Line 5 on May 31 that nearly resulted in a major disaster.

The Seoul Metro stated, "The train operator repeatedly announced that there was no fire to reassure passengers," and added, "The train in question has been sent to the depot for inspection and repair to determine the cause."

The photo is CCTV footage of the arson scene from June 25. Provided by Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office.

Meanwhile, the first trial for the arsonist, who was indicted and detained on charges of attempted murder of 160 people after setting fire to a Seoul Subway Line 5 train, will be held in mid-July.

On May 31 at around 8:42 a.m., the suspect, identified as A, poured 3.6 liters of gasoline and set fire to a train traveling from Yeouinaru Station toward Mapo Station on Line 5. He is accused of attempting to kill 160 passengers, including himself, but failed, and injuring six passengers.

As a result of the fire, 23 people, including A, were transported to the hospital after inhaling smoke, and 129 people received emergency treatment at the scene. In addition, one train car was partially destroyed, resulting in property damage estimated at over 300 million won.