Establishment of a Dedicated Task Force for One-Stop Comprehensive Support
"Safe Housing" to Be Provided Until Affected Residents Return Home
Gwangmyeong City in Gyeonggi Province announced on the 18th that it will form a dedicated task force (TF) team to provide one-stop support for the victims of the apartment fire that occurred in Sohadong on the 17th.
Seungwon Park, mayor of Gwangmyeong (right), visited the apartment fire site in Sohadong on the night of the 17th and urged firefighters to ensure a safe rescue. Provided by Gwangmyeong City
On the morning of the 18th, the city held a countermeasure meeting presided over by Mayor Seungwon Park to review the damage caused by the fire the previous day and to check the support plan for the victims.
Mayor Park stated, "The safety of citizens is the top priority," and instructed, "Form a dedicated TF team to comprehensively respond to and support the victims of the accident." Mayor Park also added, "Accurately assess the health conditions of the victims who were transported to hospitals and respond appropriately," and "Mobilize all administrative resources to support residents staying at shelters so that they do not experience inconvenience."
The city plans to establish a 'comprehensive support system' centered on the dedicated TF team so that affected residents can receive broad-ranging assistance, including basic necessities and psychological recovery. The TF team plans to set up an office at the local administrative welfare center near the accident site to ensure a field-oriented response.
Since the accident, the city has been supporting affected residents by utilizing existing support systems such as the citizen life safety insurance and fire damage relief funds. In addition, the city plans to secure additional special support funds and relief supplies in cooperation with relevant agencies, while also focusing administrative efforts on follow-up measures to help residents return to their daily lives.
The city will provide safe housing currently operated by the city so that residents staying at shelters can remain there until they are able to return to their homes. The city also plans to secure additional temporary housing in cooperation with Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH).
The city is also considering installing safety fences and mobile CCTV cameras at the accident site to prevent crimes such as theft that could threaten victims.
Earlier, at around 9:05 p.m. on the 17th, a fire broke out in the piloti ceiling of the parking lot of Apartment A in Sohadong, Gwangmyeong, resulting in two deaths and 63 injuries. Among the injured, 23 are reported to be in serious condition.
As of 11:00 a.m. on the 18th, there are 28 evacuees from 13 households staying at the shelter.
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