Police Open Full Probe into Bucheon Factory Blaze that Killed Firefighter

A blaze erupted around 8:40 a.m. on Friday at a metal injection molding and printing factory in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, and was finally extinguished after roughly two and a half hours. The fire resulted in the death of one firefighter and left seven more injured. In response, the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency created a 33-person task force to interview the plant’s owner, employees and other relevant parties.

The probe will focus on the cause of the fire, the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals, and compliance with fire-prevention regulations. Officials are also assessing whether the company neglected its safety-management duties, which could lead to charges of professional negligence and related fire offences. Additionally, special judicial police from fire authorities are reviewing the types, amounts and permitting of hazardous materials at the facility.