On the 31st of last month, a fire occurred on Seoul's Line 5 subway, resulting in an estimated property damage of 330 million won. The police investigating the incident are expected to request an arrest warrant for the arsonist as early as the 1st.
According to the daily situation report from the Seoul Comprehensive Disaster Management Center, a fire broke out inside a Line 5 train running between Yeoinaru Station and Mapo around 8:43 a.m. the previous day and was extinguished by around 10:24 a.m. One subway car was partially lost and two cars were damaged by soot. The property damage was estimated at 330 million won.
The fire injured 23 people. At the time, approximately 400 passengers were on board the train. As smoke spread into the car, passengers manually opened the doors and evacuated along the tracks.
The Yeongdeungpo Police Station in Seoul has arrested a man in his 60s, referred to as Mr. A, on suspicion of starting the fire. It was revealed that he sprayed a flammable liquid inside the train and then ignited his clothing. After the crime, Mr. A moved along the tracks and was arrested by police due to the soot on his hands as he was being carried on a stretcher to the Yeoinaru platform.
Mr. A reportedly stated during police questioning that he committed the act due to dissatisfaction with the outcome of his divorce lawsuit with his wife. The police are said to be preparing to request an arrest warrant as early as that day.