2020 Icheon fire

A major fire occurred on 29 April 2020 at a construction site in Icheon, South Korea, killing 39 people and injuring another 10.[2][3][4] Blood samples taken from 23 victims indicate most had died from carbon monoxide poisoning.[5] Autopsies have been completed on 15 of the 39 people killed, as recommended by South Korea authorities, but has angered victims' families.[5] All killed workers were irregular or subcontract workers.[6]

2020 Icheon fire
Date29 April 2020
LocationIcheon, South Korea
CauseUnclear - flammable material ignited & caused explosions[1]
Deaths39
Non-fatal injuries10

The building under construction has four floors above-ground and two more underground. The building did not have sprinklers or other obligatory safety measures.[6] The fire broke out when some 78 workers were in the sub-basement working on polyurethane foam.[7] The first explosion occurred around 13:30 (4:30 UTC).[1] At least 10 explosions were heard.[4]

Authorities launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and what safety regulations were violated.[6]

An earlier fire at a refrigerated warehouse in Icheon on 7 January 2008 had killed 40 workers.[2]

See also

References
  1. "South Korea fire: Dozens killed in warehouse blaze in Icheon". BBC News. 29 April 2020. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
  2. "이천의 비극' 12년만에 또···40명 사망 때도 유독가스 덮쳤다". Joins.com. 29 April 2020.
  3. "Construction Site Fire in South Korea Kills at Least 25: Yonhap". The New York Times. Reuters. 29 April 2020. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
  4. "South Korea fire kills nearly 40 construction workers". The Guardian. 29 April 2020. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
  5. "South Korea authorities recommend autopsy following Icheon fire". UPI. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  6. McGrath, Ben. "Devastating fire in South Korea kills at least 38 workers". wsws.org. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  7. "38 workers killed in Icheon construction site fire". The Korea Herald. 29 April 2020. Retrieved 29 April 2020.

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