Man in His 20s Dies After Being Shot With Live Ammunition at Private Shooting Range in Songdo, Incheon

Accident During Shooting
Indefinite Suspension of Business

No direct relation to the article. Pixabay

A man in his 20s died after being shot with live ammunition at a private shooting range in Incheon.

According to fire authorities and the police on December 23, at around 5:14 p.m. the previous day, a 21-year-old man, identified as A, was shot with live ammunition at a private shooting range in Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon. A, who sustained severe head injuries, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police investigations revealed that A was using the shooting range after paying the usage fee and was firing 10 rounds of live ammunition when the incident occurred. The police are investigating the exact circumstances, considering the possibility that A, who reportedly suffered from depression, may have fired the shot himself.

According to the current "Act on the Safety Management of Shooting and Shooting Ranges," shooting ranges must restrict access not only to those under the influence of alcohol but also to individuals who are mentally incapacitated or considered a potential risk. However, it has been reported that A was able to use the range without any particular restrictions.

Previously, in September 2018, a similar fatal incident occurred at a live ammunition shooting range in Myeong-dong, Seoul, prompting criticism that effective management, supervision, and institutional improvements are needed for private shooting ranges. Shooting ranges are required to operate with the approval of the local police chief and must undergo regular inspections at least once a year.

The police have imposed an indefinite suspension of business on the shooting range in question and plan to conduct further investigations to determine if there were any legal violations or management negligence during its operation.

A police official stated, "We will closely examine whether there was any operational negligence and investigate the specific circumstances of the incident."

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