A Week After Coupang Fire, 200 Residents Still Unable to Return Home Due to Smoke and Dust

▲ The Incheon Coupang logistics center building burned down in the fire

One week after a large fire was extinguished at the Coupang Logistics Center 32 in Seohae-gu, Incheon, it has been found that some 200 residents are still unable to return to their homes due to smoke and fine dust.

According to Seohae-gu today (July 29), as of 5:00 p.m. the previous day, 203 people from 133 households remain sheltered at three temporary evacuation centers set up due to the logistics center fire (Sinhyeon Elementary School, Sinhyeonbuk Elementary School, and Sinhyeon Girls' Middle School).

Most of the evacuated residents are reportedly continuing their stay at the shelters as normal life remains difficult inside their homes due to lingering smoke odors and dust.

Coupang Fulfillment Services (CFS) has been operating a support center for fire-affected residents at the 2nd branch office of the Sinhyeon Wonchang-dong Administrative Welfare Center since the 27th, providing support for hospital treatment and medication expenses, cleaning costs, and car wash fees.

While assessing the status of resident damages, Seohae-gu is considering exercising the right of indemnity to bill Coupang for the internal budget spent on emergency response, recovery, and relief supplies for residents.

However, as prolonged shelter operations could lead to hygiene issues and disruptions to school reopening schedules, the district is reviewing when to conclude the operation of the evacuation centers.

An official from Seohae-gu said, "As there are no further additional damages, we are reviewing the timing to end the operation of the shelters," adding, "We plan to make a decision by taking into account residents' return statuses and any potential problems following the closure of the shelters."

The fire broke out at 6:54 a.m. on the 18th and was extinguished on the afternoon of the 22nd after approximately 109 hours and 40 minutes. Aside from two firefighters receiving hospital treatment for smoke inhalation and exhaustion, respectively, no other casualties were reported.

(Photo: Yonhap News)

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