The preliminary finding came as a joint investigation team of police officers, firefighters and investigators from the National Forensic Service began an on-site inspection to determine the cause of the fire and why it spread so rapidly.
The fire, which broke out around 8:40 a.m. Friday at a four-story metal-parts painting factory, was fully extinguished about two hours later, leaving eight people dead or injured including a firefighter who suffered cardiac arrest.
Investigators believe the fire started on the third floor of the factory, where workers were using paint thinner to clean metal parts at the time. Dozens of containers of paint thinner were found just one to two meters from where the fire is believed to have started. Hundreds of paint cans were also stored at the factory, which investigators suspect may have caused the fire to spread quickly.
They are also examining the types and quantities of flammable and other hazardous materials found at the factory and investigating possible violations of safety rules on their handling, storage and management.
Despite the risk of flammable vapors building up, the area appeared to lack explosion-proof equipment and other safety measures. The factory also did not have a sprinkler system because its total floor area of 362 square meters fell below the legal requirement for installation.
Meanwhile, firefighter Kim Jin-seok, 44, who was found in cardiac arrest while fighting the blaze, died earlier in the day while receiving hospital treatment. Kim was among the firefighters deployed to the scene. He was battling the blaze when the flames spread rapidly, trapping him inside. He was found in cardiac arrest at around 9:40 a.m. and taken to a hospital.
Another firefighter in his 40s was seriously injured, while four others were hospitalized for heat exhaustion. Two factory employees were also received hospital treatment for smoke inhalation and other injuries.
In recognition of his service and dedication, Kim was posthumously promoted from sergeant to lieutenant. He is survived by his wife and 6-year-old daughter.
Gyeonggi Province decided to hold a province-led funeral in honor of Kim's sacrifice, with a public memorial altar to remain open until Monday.
President Lee Jae Myung expressed his condolences in a post on X, formerly Twitter, saying he was heartbroken by the firefighter's death and praying that he may rest in peace.
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