Education Office Conducts On-Site Inspection After Students' On-Campus Smoking Causes Fire

[Anchor]

The provincial office of education has launched an on-site inspection of a vocational high school in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, which operated a designated smoking area for students. Following a fire caused by cigarettes, criticisms have mounted not only against the smoking students but even more so against the school for neglecting the issue.

Reporter Cho Min-ki has the story.

[Reporter]

At a vocational high school in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province.

Following SBS reports on July 26 that a fire broke out on the 23rd when students were smoking on campus, and that the space had customarily been used as a smoking area by both the principal and students, the North Chungcheong Office of Education initiated an on-site inspection today.

An education office official explained, "We have requested an explanation statement from the principal regarding how the smoking area was established and the reasons for raising their voice at the student who filmed the fire."

The education office plans to review the principal's statement and proceed with audit procedures if necessary.

Yesterday afternoon, the school also held discussions regarding disciplinary measures for the two students who caused the fire.

A school official stated, "An initial conclusion has been reached, but the results cannot be disclosed to the outside."

The official added that fire evacuation guidelines and smoking prevention education were provided to students.

[Student at School A: We watched things like prevention education (videos). Stuff like men smoke more than women, and if you smoke you get lung cancer....]

However, a tip was received that students were seen smoking again today in another open space on campus identified as a smoking spot.

[Student at School A: Just like before, groups of four or three go around smoking near the garbage dump area, but the teachers just turn a blind eye even though they know.]

The student who filmed the fire video was also nearly assaulted by a student who usually smokes, prompting the school to separate the two students.

[Student at School A: (A classmate) said, 'Are you kidding me, why are you reporting to the news?' and swung a punch at me like this. I pulled back sharply at that moment.]

Aside from the on-site inspection, the education office decided to investigate other on-campus smoking areas and the adequacy of student protection measures.

(Video by: Lee Sang-hak | Video Editing by: Shin Se-eun | Design: Lee Jong-jung)
 
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.