Incheon Fire Headquarters. [Yonhap]
Incheon Fire Headquarters. [Yonhap]

A self-defense gas gun accidentally discharged at a cultural center in Incheon's Seohaegu district Thursday, sending six women to the hospital.

According to the Incheon Fire Headquarters, the accidental discharge was reported at around 9:07 a.m. Thursday at the Cheongna Complex Cultural Center in Cheongna-dong, Seohaegu.

Six women in their 40s to 60s were taken to hospital after complaining of pain around their eyes.

Firefighters responding to a report that "the gas gun exploded and people inhaled gas" set up a temporary on-site medical station and deployed 79 personnel and 24 pieces of equipment to secure the area.

Police determined that the gas gun belonged to a man in his 80s, identified only as A, who had been using the cultural center's swimming pool. Police believe the gun discharged as A was handing it to an acquaintance, a man in his 70s identified as B, saying he no longer needed it.

A was found not to have held a permit to possess the gas gun.

Police said they plan to review whether to charge him with violating the Act on the Safety Management of Firearms, Swords, Explosives and Other Dangerous Articles.


jshan@heraldcorp.com