Fire at Yongin Logistics Center Killing 5, Believed to Have Started Near Basement 4th Floor Freezer Storage

Police Investigate Cause and Responsibility of Fire

A joint investigation is underway on the morning of the 22nd at the SLC logistics center fire site in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi Province, where 5 people died and 8 were injured.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] It has been confirmed that the fire at the SLC logistics center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, which resulted in 5 deaths and 8 injuries, started near the underground 4th floor freezer warehouse of the building.

The joint investigation team, composed of seven organizations including the Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Agency, Gyeonggi Fire and Disaster Headquarters, National Forensic Service, Korea Gas Safety Corporation, Korea Electrical Safety Corporation, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, and Ministry of Employment and Labor, conducted an investigation from 10:50 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the 22nd and stated, "It is estimated that the fire started in a corner of the underground 4th floor freezer warehouse."

However, the exact point of ignition has not yet been identified. Jeong Yo-seop, head of the forensic investigation team at the Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Agency, explained, "The insulation material used in the warehouse is still under investigation, so I cannot comment," adding, "The underground 4th floor interior is very large, about 10,000 pyeong, and it is a warehouse storing food products with a structure that allows vehicle access."

Earlier, the police confirmed through analysis of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage that the flames started on the underground 4th floor. The police plan to review whether additional investigations are necessary based on the overall investigation details. They are also conducting an investigation to determine responsibility for the fire. So far, no individuals have been booked.

The fire occurred at around 8:29 a.m. the previous day at the SLC logistics center in Yangji-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin City, which has 4 above-ground floors and 5 above-ground floors. Although the major fire was contained by 10:30 a.m., two hours after it started, during the search and rescue operations, 5 workers were found dead on the underground 4th floor.

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