On-Site Investigation Begins Three Months After Kumho Tire Gwangju Factory Fire

Investigation Focuses on Cause of Fire Originating from Plant 2 Electric Oven
Fire Suppression Systems, Fire Doors, and Evacuation Broadcasts Also Under Review

An on-site investigation to determine the cause of the large-scale fire at Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory has begun, approximately three months after the incident.

Black smoke is rising from Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory due to a fire that occurred on the morning of May 17. Photo by Song Bohyun

On August 18, the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency conducted an on-site inspection of the fire at Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, together with the National Forensic Service and other agencies. The investigation focused on the second-floor industrial large electric oven in Plant 2's refining section, which is believed to be where the fire started.

Witnesses testified that the fire broke out when sparks occurred while preheating raw rubber, the main material for tires, in the electric oven. Kumho Tire also raised the possibility that foreign substances such as wood chips mixed in the raw rubber could have caused the fire.

The police aim to determine the cause of ignition and how the fire spread through the investigation. They will also check whether proper preventive measures were in place if sparks are an unavoidable part of the process. The investigation also includes suspicions that, at the time of the fire, fire suppression equipment discharged in the wrong area, fire doors failed to operate, and issues related to evacuation announcements and the operation of broadcasting facilities.

This investigation was delayed due to concerns that the building might collapse after the fire. It only began three months later, following demolition and safety reinforcement measures. Based on the results of the investigation, the police plan to continue their inquiry by applying charges of occupational negligence resulting in injury to those responsible.

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