Who is the arson suspect apprehended in the Seoul subway fire?

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Who is the arson suspect apprehended in the Seoul subway fire?

Synopsis

A shocking incident unfolded in Seoul as a man in his 60s was arrested for allegedly setting fire inside a subway train. The blaze prompted a massive evacuation through a tunnel, with dozens injured. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are looking into the motives behind this alarming act. Stay tuned for updates.

Key Takeaways

  • Over 400 passengers evacuated through a tunnel during the incident.
  • 21 individuals hospitalized due to various injuries.
  • The fire was extinguished by passengers and crew before the authorities arrived.
  • The suspect was apprehended shortly after the incident.
  • Subway services resumed within the hour.

Seoul, May 31 (NationPress) On Saturday, law enforcement officials apprehended a man in his 60s who is under suspicion of committing arson in a subway train in Seoul. This incident led to the evacuation of hundreds of passengers via a tunnel, according to reports.

As per police and eyewitness accounts, the individual reportedly ignited clothing within the Line No. 5 subway while it was en route between Yeouinaru and Mapo stations at 8:47 a.m. He allegedly boarded the train with a lighter and a container of fuel, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

More than 400 passengers managed to escape through the tunnel, with 21 individuals requiring hospitalization due to injuries such as smoke inhalation and a fractured ankle. Fortunately, no severe injuries have been documented.

Passengers, along with the train conductor, initially subdued the flames using fire extinguishers, and the fire was completely extinguished around 10:24 a.m. Authorities dispatched a total of 230 personnel, including firefighters and police, to the scene.

The suspect was apprehended by police near Yeouinaru Station at 9:45 a.m. after briefly fleeing the area.

Subway operations between Yeouido and Aeogae stations were halted for a period before resuming service at 10:06 a.m.

Investigators intend to interrogate the suspect regarding his motives and carry out a forensic analysis of the incident site.

Ongoing investigations are in progress, and authorities are diligently examining the situation. More information is anticipated.

Point of View

I emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in incidents like this. The safety of the public must always be paramount, and understanding the motives behind such alarming actions is crucial. We will keep our audience informed with updates while ensuring a commitment to factual reporting.
NationPress
26/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in the Seoul subway incident?
A man in his 60s was arrested for allegedly setting fire to a subway train, causing over 400 passengers to evacuate through a tunnel.
How many people were injured?
21 individuals were hospitalized due to injuries, including smoke inhalation and a fractured ankle.
What actions did the train crew take during the fire?
Passengers and the train conductor used fire extinguishers to initially control the flames.
What is the current status of subway services?
Subway services between Yeouido and Aeogae stations were temporarily suspended but resumed at 10:06 a.m.
What will happen to the arson suspect?
Authorities plan to question the suspect about his motives and conduct a forensic examination of the scene.