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Firefighter dies after cardiac arrest at Bucheon factory blaze; eight casualties in total
A firefighter in their 40s who suffered cardiac arrest while battling a factory fire in Bucheon has died. Another firefighter in their 40s was seriously injured, with eight people killed or injured in total.
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.
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Politics ·
President Lee mourns Bucheon firefighter, pledges better working conditions
President Lee Jae-myung on the 17th expressed condolences over the death of a firefighter who was battling a factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, and pledged to improve working conditions for firefighters. He also said he would not forget the firefighter's sacrifice.
Lee said he would remember the dedication of the firefighter, who entered a dangerous scene to protect people's lives and safety. He stressed that protecting firefighters' safety is a duty the state must fulfill.
On the government's response, he said it would thoroughly review safety measures and address shortcomings so frontline firefighters could carry out their duties more safely. He also pledged close attention to ensuring they receive recognition and working conditions commensurate with their sacrifices and hard work.
Lee conveyed his deep condolences to the bereaved family. He also expressed sympathy for fellow firefighters sharing in the grief.
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