▲ Smoke and flames rise after a suspected explosion and fire broke out inside an apartment management office in Sadong, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do, around 8:29 a.m. on the 23rd.
An explosion and fire, suspected to have been caused by an apartment resident setting a fire, broke out at an apartment management office in Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do, injuring eight people.
The accident reportedly occurred while management office officials and residents had gathered to discuss issues related to management regulations. One of the seriously injured individuals is in critical condition.
Police are investigating the exact circumstances of the incident by questioning witnesses and the injured, including the man suspected of setting the fire.
The explosion occurred inside the management office of an apartment complex in Sadong, Gyeongsan, at 8:29 a.m. today (the 23rd).
A total of eight people (two men and six women) have been reported injured so far.
One of the seriously injured individuals is reportedly in critical condition.
Police stated that there have been no fatalities reported so far.
The man suspected of starting the fire was also injured and transferred to a hospital, police said.
According to police, the man entered the management office carrying a container filled with flammable material before starting the fire shortly afterward.
Among the injured were five elderly residents who had gathered at a senior center attached to the management office.
Police and the city of Gyeongsan suspect that the explosion and fire occurred while multiple management office officials were gathered for a meeting.
A witness said, "It looked like an explosion happened after someone presumed to be an apartment resident entered the management office, poured a flammable substance, and set it on fire."
Another witness said, "After hearing several booming explosion sounds, multiple people with their bodies on fire rushed out of the building."
It was reported that conflicts had previously existed between the apartment management office and some residents at the accident-stricken apartment.
It was confirmed that residents had previously filed complaints with the Gyeongsan City Hall several times.
Today, residents and management office officials were reportedly scheduled to gather for a meeting regarding management regulation issues.
This apartment complex is small enough that it is not legally mandated to operate a resident representative council.
Police plan to conduct forensic examinations of the fire scene while investigating the exact cause of the accident by questioning witnesses and the injured.
The fire at the management office was extinguished at 8:48 a.m. today.
(Photo provided by Gyeongsangbuk-do Fire Headquarters, Yonhap News)
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