Kumho Tire Gwangju Factory Fire: Four Including Factory Manager Booked

No Fundamental Measures Despite 17 Fires in Five Years
Fire Suppression and Alarm Systems Failed, Leading to Major Blaze
Factory Manager and Safety Officers to Be Referred to Prosecution

In connection with the fire at Kumho Tire's Gwangju factory that occurred in May, the police have booked four individuals, including the factory manager and the safety management officer, on charges of occupational negligence resulting in injury and accidental fire due to negligence in the course of work.

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

The Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency announced on September 4 that, two days after the fire, on May 19, it formed a 36-member special investigation team led by the criminal investigation unit. The team secured 78 pieces of related evidence, questioned 44 people involved, inspected equipment at similar companies, and conducted an on-site investigation. The investigation revealed that the factory had repeatedly failed to establish fundamental measures and had managed its equipment negligently despite recurring fires.

The problematic microwave oven on the second floor of the refining building experienced 17 fires over the past five years (including five this year), but no thorough inspections or risk assessments were conducted. Additionally, fire prevention and suppression systems such as smoke and flame detectors, CO₂ extinguishing devices, and fire shutters did not function properly, and the broadcasting and alarm systems were not installed in some areas, resulting in serious injuries to victims during evacuation.

The police determined that such negligence led to the escalation of the fire and the resulting casualties. They have booked four individuals, including the factory manager and the fire and safety management officers, and plan to refer the case to the prosecution soon. The scale of the damage and the amount of property loss will be separately investigated and announced by the National Fire Agency.

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