Scene of the factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province [Bucheon Fire Department]
Scene of the factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province [Bucheon Fire Department]

A firefighter who went into cardiac arrest while battling a factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, on Friday has died.

According to police and other authorities, the firefighter, a man in his 40s identified only by the surname initial A, was transported to a hospital after suffering cardiac arrest at the scene and died while receiving treatment.

The fire broke out at around 8:38 a.m. Friday at a metal injection and printing factory in Naedong, Ojeong-gu, Bucheon, and was extinguished about two hours and 28 minutes later.

The firefighter was among the first responders to arrive at the scene. Another firefighter in his 40s, also part of the initial response team, sustained serious injuries in the blaze.

Four other firefighters were taken to hospital showing symptoms of heat exhaustion, and two factory workers were also hospitalized for smoke inhalation and other injuries, bringing the total number of casualties to eight.

Police, fire authorities and other relevant agencies were set to conduct a joint forensic investigation at the factory site in Naedong, Ojeong-gu at around 9:30 a.m. Saturday.


bbo@heraldcorp.com