Seoul subway arson caused more than $280,000 in damage: South Korean authorities
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Seoul Metro CEO Baek Ho led a response meeting for an arson incident on Line 5 of the Seoul Subway on May 31.
PHOTO: SEOUL METRO
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An incident of arson aboard a Seoul subway train on May 31 resulted in estimated damages costing over $300 million won (S$281,484), South Korean fire authorities said on June 1.
The fire destroyed part of one subway car, and smoke caused damage to two others, reported The Korea Herald, citing Korean news agency Yonhap.
Seoul Metro told the news agency that they were planning to seek financial compensation and take legal action against the suspected arsonist, who is currently in the custody of South Korean police.
According to The Korea Herald, the man had committed the crime out of spite towards the Korean court’s decision about his recent divorce.
The incident took place near Mapo station when the suspect allegedly poured thinner on the train and set it ablaze.
The transport company added that it is currently looking into why closed-circuit television footage did not transmit information to its control centre during the time of the incident, Yonhap reported.
Over a hundred commuters were affected by the incident, with 23 being taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, while another 129 received treatment on site for minor injuries.
The South Korean police are also expected to request for an arrest warrant to prosecute the suspect, whose identity has yet to be released.
