A serious fire broke out in a 21-story high-rise apartment building in Seoul, South Korea, on the 21st morning, resulting in 1 death and 13 others with varying degrees of injury.
According to comprehensive reports from Korean media, site witnesses told police they suspected witnessing an act of arson. Preliminary speculation suggests the suspect used a pesticide sprayer to set the fire, with some reports indicating the use of a flame thrower.
The fire is suspected to have started between the 4th and 5th floors. Among the injured, 2 individuals are suspected of falling while evacuating, with one suffering extensive burns and the other experiencing breathing difficulties due to smoke inhalation.
The fire authorities rushed to the scene upon report and extinguished the blaze after an hour.
Local residents disclosed to the public that they witnessed what appeared to be an act of arson before the fire, leading to explosive sounds similar to artillery from the point of ignition. Ten minutes later, other units began to catch fire. Police are currently conducting a comprehensive manhunt.
Preliminary investigations suggest the arsonist is a man in his 60s who ignited the fire by placing a diluent into a pesticide sprayer. Since nearby residences also received reports from civilians of arson before the fire, it is suspected that the same individual may be responsible.