Seoul (Agencies): A fire erupted inside a train on Subway Line 5 in Seoul on Saturday morning, prompting a mass evacuation of passengers. Authorities have arrested a man in his 60s on suspicion of arson after he allegedly set fire to pieces of clothing inside the train using a lighter-type torch and a fuel container.
The incident occurred at 8:47 a.m. between Yeouinaru and Mapo stations, forcing over 400 passengers to escape through a tunnel. Emergency responders dispatched 230 personnel, including firefighters and police officers, to the scene.
While 21 people were hospitalized for injuries such as smoke inhalation and a fractured ankle, no serious casualties have been reported. Passengers and the train conductor managed to contain the flames using fire extinguishers before the fire was fully extinguished at 10:24 a.m..
The suspect was apprehended near Yeouinaru Station at 9:45 a.m., after briefly fleeing the scene. Subway services between Yeouido and Aeogae stations were temporarily suspended but resumed at 10:06 a.m..
Authorities are investigating the suspect’s motive and conducting a forensic examination of the scene. The incident has raised concerns about subway security, with passengers recounting moments of panic as black smoke filled the train.
Police and fire officials continue to assess the situation, ensuring safety measures are reinforced to prevent similar incidents in the future.