Police Launch Full Investigation into Fire at ‘Goheung Yunho21 Hospital’ Causing Over 30 Casualties

Agents from the National Forensic Service and the police forensic team are entering the emergency room of Yunho 21 Hospital in Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do, where a fire broke out on the afternoon of the 10th. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] The police have launched an investigation into the fire incident at Yoonho21 Hospital in Goheung-gun, Jeonnam, which caused 30 casualties on the 10th.

According to the Goheung Police Station on the 11th, the police conducted a joint inspection with the National Forensic Service at the emergency room on the first floor of Yoonho21 Hospital in Goheung, where the fire broke out on the afternoon of the 10th.

On that day, the National Forensic Service reportedly collected and began analyzing some of the equipment installed in the ceiling area of the emergency room.

According to CCTV footage released by the Jeonnam Police Agency showing the fire, the fire started as a small flame in the ceiling area on the first floor of the hospital at around 3:38 a.m. on the 10th.

The fire quickly spread as smoke rose, and within about 20 seconds, flames appeared, rapidly burning the ceiling materials. Sparks fell onto hospital furniture and the floor, causing the fire to spread.

The police are controlling the fire scene and plan to conduct a second on-site inspection next week with the National Forensic Service. They are investigating whether the emergency room structure inside the emergency room where the fire broke out was altered without authorization and whether there were any safety management issues by questioning hospital officials.

A police official stated, "The exact cause of the fire can only be determined after the analysis results from the National Forensic Service," adding, "We are investigating various possibilities, including electrical factors."

Meanwhile, three people died and 28 others sustained serious and moderate injuries in the fire that occurred at Yoonho21 Hospital in Goheung on the 10th, and they are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.