[Anchor]
A firefighter who fell into cardiac arrest during a factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, has ultimately passed away. President Lee Jae-myung posted a message mourning the fallen firefighter, stating that his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Reporter Lee Tae-gwon has the details.
[Reporter]
Firefighter Kim Jin-seok, in his 40s, who was transported in cardiac arrest from the factory fire site in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, yesterday (October 16), passed away at 12:55 a.m. today.
The fire, which broke out at around 8:38 a.m. yesterday, was extinguished in 2 hours and 28 minutes. However, Kim, who arrived as part of the first-responding team and engaged in initial firefighting operations, went into cardiac arrest, while another firefighter in his 40s sustained serious injuries.
Four other firefighters were also transported to hospitals suffering from heat exhaustion, and two factory officials received medical treatment for smoke inhalation and other issues.
The mortuary for the late Firefighter Kim Jin-seok has been set up at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, and a joint memorial altar is scheduled to be operated at Sejong Central Park.
The National Fire Agency announced that it has posthumously promoted the late Firefighter Kim Jin-seok from firefighter to fire lieutenant, and also plans to pursue a posthumous decoration.
President Lee Jae-myung posted on social media, saying, "I am devastated by the news of the fallen firefighter, and we will never forget his sacrifice." He emphasized, "The government will thoroughly review safety measures and supplement any shortcomings so that frontline personnel can carry out their duties more safely."
Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae, who sparked controversy after using the expression "firefighting straw" by claiming that firefighting-related budgets are putting a burden on provincial finances, arrived at the mortuary at around 2:00 p.m.
During her visit to pay respects, Governor Choo faced protests from fire officials and others present at the scene demanding an apology.
[Choo Mi-ae / Governor of Gyeonggi Province : (Did you come to take photos? Just to show off?) Yes, I plan to apologize.]
Gyeonggi Province decided to hold the funeral as a provincial funeral, forming a funeral committee with Governor Choo serving as chairperson.
Earlier, police and fire authorities conducted a joint inspection at the fire scene starting at 9:30 a.m., focusing their investigation around the thinner washing machine on the third floor of the factory, which is presumed to be the starting point of the fire.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
(Video by: Lee Chan-soo)
(Video Editing by: Wi Won-yang)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.