Hospitalized Patient Commits Arson at Daegu Seongseo Hospital; Man in His 40s Arrested at the Scene

Police Launch Investigation Into Motive and Suspect's Mental Health History

At around 10:00 p.m. on July 29, an arson incident occurred at a hospital in Seongdang-dong, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, where a man in his 40s, who was hospitalized, poured gasoline and set it on fire.

Daegu Police Agency Photo by Kwon Byunggeon

According to the police, the suspect sprayed gasoline in the hallway on the second floor of the hospital and then started the fire. The police, who responded to a report, arrested him at the scene at around 10:15 p.m. The fire was extinguished before it could spread further, thanks to the quick response of hospital staff and fire authorities.

The police have launched an investigation to determine the specific motive behind the suspect's actions and to check for any history of mental illness. A police official stated, "As the circumstances of the incident and the method of arson are under investigation, it is difficult to disclose specific details," adding, "We will thoroughly investigate the exact background of the crime and the extent of the damage."

The authorities are also reviewing the hospital's internal safety management system and the extent of the damage, and will consider measures to prevent a recurrence.