[Anchor]

An evacuation order was issued last night (July 19) for businesses and factories surrounding the Coupang logistics center in Incheon due to concerns over a potential building collapse. Over 160 residents who gathered at temporary shelters reported suffering from smoke and dust inhalation.

Lee Se-hyeon has the report.

[Reporter]

The evacuation order, which went into effect at 11:00 p.m. last night, covers a 116-meter radius from the parking tower ramp of the logistics center.

Authorities determined that if the fire intensifies and causes a partial collapse of the logistics center, debris could reach up to 116 meters.

Within this zone, there are approximately 40 businesses and factories, including cafes and semiconductor manufacturing plants.

Three alarms have been installed around the ramp to sound if a risk of collapse is detected.

Commercial buildings across from the site, which were included in the evacuation zone, have all closed their doors.

At an air quality monitoring station near the fire site, the concentration of benzene, a classified carcinogen, was measured at 1.25 ppb, which is 2.5 times higher than normal levels.

[Apartment Security Guard: This is for measuring exhaust fumes from Incheon City. The Seo-gu District Office provided 200 masks for 187 households.]

Following the evacuation order last night, 160 residents from 88 households sought refuge at shelters set up at two nearby elementary schools. Many reported suffering from the effects of smoke and dust.

[Nearby Resident: I just came back from the hospital. I went to an otolaryngology clinic, got medicine, and took it. My throat is stinging. It hurts especially when I swallow.]

About 30 tents were set up in the elementary school gymnasium, and local authorities urgently provided relief supplies such as instant noodles and blankets.

Residents who spent the night at the shelter remain anxious about when they will be able to return home.

[Seo Dong-seon / Nearby Resident: It seemed like the fire was being brought under control. The smoke was clearing, and I thought it would be okay, but then it flared up again this morning like that.]

[Kang Mi-sook & Go Young-bok / Nearby Residents: We heard popping sounds, and it was truly terrifying. (Were you worried the fire would spread?) Yes, we were worried it would spread.]

Incheon Seo-gu District Office has also recommended that nearby daycare centers and schools close due to concerns over smoke and toxic gases.

Twelve daycare centers decided to close today, and one elementary school closed early, just one day before the start of summer break.

Reported by Kim Seung-tae and Kim Han-gyeol | Video by Lee Sang-min | Graphics by Kim Ye-ji and Han Heung-soo