This image is unrelated to the article. [Getty Images Bank]
This image is unrelated to the article. [Getty Images Bank]

Police have launched an investigation after a man in his 70s was found dead in a reservoir in Boeun-gun, North Chungcheong Province.

According to police and fire department officials, a report came in at around 7:07 a.m. Thursday stating that a person had fallen into Baengnyok Reservoir in Boeun-gun and appeared to be dead.

Firefighters who responded pulled the man, identified only by the surname initial A, from the water, but he was already dead.

A had been camping in the area with acquaintances on Wednesday evening.

The following morning, one of his acquaintances noticed A was missing and began searching the area, eventually finding him in the reservoir and calling for help.

Police believe A may have caught fire while sleeping and jumped into the reservoir to extinguish the flames. Inside the tent where he had slept alone, investigators found a small portable heater knocked over and part of his sleeping bag burned.

Police have requested an autopsy from the National Forensic Service to determine the exact cause of death.


jshan@heraldcorp.com