Suspected Arson Fire in Gwangju Apartment at Dawn... 3 Seriously Injured, 80 Evacuated

Fully Extinguished in One Hour, Unit Completely Destroyed
Police Obtain Statement Alleging Arson by Man in His 50s Identified as Mr. A

Exterior view of Gwangju Bukbu Police Station. Photo by Gwangju Bukbu Police Station

In the early morning hours, a fire suspected to be arson broke out in an apartment in Gwangju, resulting in injuries to three people and the evacuation of dozens of residents.

According to the Gwangju Bukbu Police Station and fire authorities on January 3, the fire started at around 4:01 a.m. in a unit on the fifth floor of an apartment building in Unam-dong, Buk-gu.

As a result of the incident, three people-including a couple in their 60s who lived in the unit and a man in his 50s who is a relative, identified as Mr. A-suffered burns or smoke inhalation and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Fortunately, their lives are not in danger.

In addition, more than 80 apartment residents evacuated in response to the fire alarm, and five of them received emergency treatment on site for minor smoke inhalation. The fire completely destroyed the interior of the unit but was fully extinguished by fire authorities after about one hour.

The police have obtained statements from witnesses indicating that "Mr. A intentionally set the fire using a lighter" and are focusing on the possibility of arson. The police plan to investigate Mr. A regarding the exact circumstances and motive as soon as his hospital treatment is complete.