A massive fire ripped through a 21-story apartment building in Seoul’s Bongchon-dong district at 8:17 a.m. local time on April 21, 2025.
The blaze, believed to be intentionally set, has claimed three lives and injured 11 others, with five in critical condition.
The suspect, a South Korean man in his 60s, allegedly used a modified sprayer to ignite the fire on the fourth floor before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as residents desperately tried to escape, with at least two people jumping from the building to avoid the flames.
Seoul police are now racing to track down the suspect, reviewing CCTV footage and investigating possible motives.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the community, sparking widespread fear and concern – particularly given the densely populated area and the timing of the incident, as people were getting ready for work.
Authorities are working to determine whether the suspect had any connection to the building or if he has a history of mental health issues.
The investigation continues, with police urging anyone with information to come forward.
The Aftermath
The fire has left a trail of destruction, with residents and emergency responders working to come to terms with the scale of the tragedy.
The injured are being treated at local hospitals, with the critically injured receiving urgent care.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but authorities believe it was a deliberate act.
The suspect remains at large, and police are leaving no stone unturned in their search for him.
The community is in mourning, with many calling for greater measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Investigation Underway
Police are now working to piece together the events leading up to the fire.
They are reviewing CCTV footage, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing evidence from the scene.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities determined to bring the suspect to justice.
The public is being asked to remain vigilant and report any information that may aid in the investigation.
As the community begins to rebuild, many are left wondering how such a tragedy could occur, and what can be done to prevent it from happening again.