Fire breaks out on Seoul subway, over 400 evacuated

Reuters

Panic erupted on a Seoul subway train after a man allegedly set a fire onboard, prompting the evacuation of over 400 passengers through a tunnel and sending 21 people to hospital with minor injuries.

More than 400 passengers were evacuated through a tunnel on Saturday morning after a fire broke out on a subway train in Seoul, according to South Korean media reports.

The incident occurred at around 8:47 a.m. local time (2347 GMT Friday), when a 60-year-old man allegedly set fire to pieces of fabric using a torch-style lighter and a fuel container while the train was in motion. The sudden blaze triggered panic among commuters.

Local authorities confirmed that 21 people were taken to hospital with minor injuries, including smoke inhalation and a fractured ankle. No serious injuries were reported.

Passengers and the train conductor were able to use fire extinguishers to bring the flames under control before emergency services arrived. A total of 230 personnel—including firefighters and police—responded to the scene.

The suspect initially fled but was later apprehended on suspicion of arson. Police have launched a forensic investigation and will question the man to determine his motive.

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