Firefighter Dies in Bucheon Factory Fire; President Lee Jae-myung Vows to Remember Sacrifice

[Anchor]

A firefighter who suffered cardiac arrest during a factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, has ultimately passed away. President Lee Jae-myung posted a message of condolence for the fallen firefighter, stating that his sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Reporter Choi Ho-won has the details.

[Reporter]

Firefighter Kim Jin-seok, in his 40s, who was transported in a state of cardiac arrest from the scene of a factory fire 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 after 2 hours and 28 minutes. However, Mr. Kim, who arrived with the first response team and engaged in initial firefighting operations, went into cardiac arrest, while another firefighter in his 40s sustained serious injuries.

Four other firefighters were transported to the hospital suffering from heat exhaustion, and two factory officials received hospital treatment for smoke inhalation and other issues.

The mortuary for the fallen firefighter has been set up at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital.

The National Fire Agency plans to operate a joint memorial altar at the City Festival Plaza in Sejong Central Park starting at 2:00 p.m.

The National Fire Agency announced that late Firefighter Kim Jin-seok has been posthumously promoted one rank from firefighter (sobangjang) to senior firefighter (sobangwi), and that it also plans to pursue a posthumous decoration.

President Lee Jae-myung stated via social media, "I am devastated by the news of the firefighter who died in the line of duty, and we will never forget his sacrifice," adding, "The government will thoroughly inspect safety measures and supplement any shortcomings so that frontline personnel can carry out their duties more safely."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae is scheduled to visit the mortuary around 2:00 p.m. to pay her respects.

Previously, Governor Choo sparked controversy by using the expression "firefighting straw," implying that firefighting-related budgets are becoming a burden on the provincial finances.

Starting at 9:30 a.m., the police and fire authorities conducted a joint inspection at the fire scene, intensively investigating the area around the thinner washing machine on the third floor of the factory, which is presumed to be the origin of the fire.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.