Fire in South Korea
2020 Icheon fireDate | 29 April 2020 |
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Location | Icheon, South Korea |
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Cause | Unclear - flammable material ignited & caused explosions[1] |
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Deaths | 39 |
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Non-fatal injuries | 10 |
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A major fire occurred on 29 April 2020 at a construction site in Icheon, South Korea, killing 39 people and injuring another 10.[2][3][4] Blood samples taken from 23 victims indicate most had died from carbon monoxide poisoning.[5] Autopsies have been completed on 15 of the 39 people killed, as recommended by South Korea authorities, but has angered victims' families.[5] All killed workers were irregular or subcontract workers.[6]
The building under construction has four floors above-ground and two more underground. The building did not have sprinklers or other obligatory safety measures.[6] The fire broke out when some 78 workers were in the sub-basement working on polyurethane foam.[7] The first explosion occurred around 13:30 (4:30 UTC).[1] At least 10 explosions were heard.[4]
Authorities launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and what safety regulations were violated.[6]
An earlier fire at a refrigerated warehouse in Icheon on 7 January 2008 had killed 40 workers.[2]
See also
References