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Key Points

In Seoul, authorities apprehended a man in his 60s for suspected arson on a subway train. The incident led to over 400 passengers being evacuated through a tunnel, with 21 treated for minor injuries. Fire extinguishers were used by passengers and the conductor to manage the flames until emergency services arrived. Subways services were briefly paused but quickly resumed, while police investigate the suspect's motives.

Key Points: Seoul Subway Incident Suspect Apprehended Amid Mass Evacuation

  • Suspect boarded Line 5 with torch and fuel
  • Over 400 passengers evacuated safely via tunnel
  • 21 treated for minor injuries, no serious harm reported
  • Subway service resumed after temporary suspension
2 min read

South Korea: Police apprehend arson suspect in subway fire after hundreds escape through tunnel

Man in his 60s arrested for arson in Seoul subway; over 400 evacuated safely.

"Passengers and the train conductor initially contained the flames with fire extinguishers before they were finally extinguished. - Yonhap News"

Seoul, May 31

Police on Saturday apprehended a man in his 60s for suspected arson inside a Seoul subway train that prompted hundreds of passengers to evacuate through a tunnel, officials said.

According to police and witnesses, the suspect allegedly set fire to pieces of clothes inside the Line No. 5 subway traveling between Yeouinaru and Mapo stations at 8:47 a.m. after boarding the train with a lighter-type torch and a fuel container, Yonhap news agency reported.

More than 400 passengers escaped through the tunnel, with 21 of them being sent to the hospital for injuries, such as smoke inhalation and a fractured ankle. No serious injuries have so far been reported.

Passengers and the train conductor initially contained the flames with fire extinguishers before they were fully extinguished at about 10:24 a.m. Authorities dispatched 230 personnel, including firefighters and police officers, to the scene.

The suspect was taken into custody by police near Yeouinaru Station at 9:45 a.m. after being on the run.

Subway services between Yeouido and Aeogae stations were suspended for awhile before resuming at 10:06 a.m.

Police plan to question the suspect about the motive and conduct a forensic examination of the scene.

Investigations are currently underway, and authorities are actively looking into the matter. Further details are awaited.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is terrifying! 😨 We should learn from South Korea's emergency response systems. Our metro systems in Delhi/Mumbai need similar preparedness drills. Thank God no lives were lost, but such incidents show how vulnerable public transport can be.
P
Priya M.
The quick evacuation of 400+ passengers shows excellent crisis management. But why would someone do this? Mental health issues maybe? Hope the investigation reveals the truth. Meanwhile, our metro security should be extra vigilant.
A
Arjun S.
South Korea is usually so safe! This incident is shocking. Makes me wonder - are we doing enough random baggage checks in Indian metros? Sometimes I see security getting lax, especially during rush hours. Safety first, convenience later!
N
Neha T.
The passengers and conductor who contained the flames deserve medals! 👏 This shows how important it is for common people to know basic fire safety. Maybe metro corporations should conduct mandatory safety workshops?
V
Vikram J.
While the response was good, the fact that someone could board with fuel and a torch shows security gaps. Our metros in India have similar vulnerabilities. Need better screening without making commute painful for daily passengers.
S
Sunita R.
Thank goodness for the quick response! But I'm concerned - if this can happen in disciplined South Korea, imagine the chaos if it happened during Mumbai local rush hour. We need more emergency exits and better crowd management plans.

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