President Lee mourns Bucheon firefighter, pledges better working conditions

According to police and other sources, a firefighter in their 40s who suffered cardiac arrest at a factory fire in Bucheon died while receiving hospital treatment after being transported there. As of the 17th, the firefighter had been taken to hospital following the fire the previous day.

The fire left eight people dead or injured, including the firefighter who died. Another firefighter in their 40s who responded to the scene was seriously injured.

The fire broke out at about 8:38 a.m. on the 16th at a metal injection and printing factory in Nae-dong, Ojeong-gu, Bucheon. It was extinguished two hours and 28 minutes after it began.

The firefighter who died and the other seriously injured firefighter in their 40s were understood to have fought the blaze as members of the first-arriving crew.

Four other firefighters were taken to hospital with heat exhaustion symptoms, while two factory personnel received hospital treatment for smoke inhalation and other conditions. Police, fire authorities and other agencies plan to conduct a joint examination at the scene at about 9:30 a.m. that day.

President Lee Jae-myung visited the funeral hall of Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok, who died fighting a factory fire in Bucheon, on the 17th and consoled his family. He also said the state must continue caring for those left behind.

The funeral hall was at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital in Wonmi District, Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province. Interior and Safety Minister Yoon Ho-jung and National Fire Agency Commissioner Choi Yong-cheol were among those accompanying Lee.

Lee stressed that the state must always remember the dedication of the firefighter who died protecting people's lives and accord him appropriate honors. He called for continuing support for the bereaved family and young child, urging the state to pay careful attention to their future and remain by their side.

He wished a speedy recovery to a firefighter receiving treatment for injuries sustained at the same fire. He instructed Minister Yoon to spare no support for the firefighter's treatment and recovery.

President Lee Jae-myung visited the funeral hall of Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok, who died in a Bucheon factory fire, on the 17th to pay his respects. Before the deceased's portrait, Lee personally awarded him the Order of Service Merit, Aquamarine Stripes, posthumously.

Lee entered the funeral hall at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital in Wonmi-gu, Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, at about 6:14 p.m. He arrived wearing a black suit.

After paying his respects, Lee wished a speedy recovery to a firefighter being treated for injuries sustained at the same fire. He instructed Minister Yoon to spare no support for treatment and recovery.

Lee stressed the need to strengthen safety at emergency scenes so firefighters can carry out their duties in safer conditions. He said the state must also fulfill its responsibility to provide honors and support commensurate with their dedication and sacrifice.

Regarding the bereaved family, Lee urged the state to remember the firefighter's dedication and accord him appropriate honors. He said the state must carefully attend to the future of the family and young child left behind and remain by their side.