Battery explosion linked to Seoul apartment fire that killed 2, injured 13

Tragic Seoul Apartment Fire Linked to Exploding Battery

A devastating fire at an apartment building in western Seoul on Sunday resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left over a dozen others injured. Authorities suspect that the blaze was caused by an exploding battery, prompting a joint investigation by police and fire departments.

The fire broke out around 8:10 a.m. in an apartment located in Changjeon-dong, Mapo District. The incident claimed the lives of a man in his 20s and his mother, a woman in her 60s. The man died at the scene, while his mother was rushed to the hospital after receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) but later succumbed to her injuries. The man’s father, also in his 60s, suffered burns and was hospitalized as well.

The family of the deceased man reported that the fire began when a battery charging in the son’s room exploded. According to their statements, the flames spread rapidly, resembling the effect of gasoline being poured, followed by a series of explosions. Witnesses also described hearing multiple loud noises before seeing fire and thick black smoke engulfing the area.

Police have identified the incident as an example of a "thermal runaway," a phenomenon where a lithium-ion battery undergoes a chain reaction of heat, causing its temperature to rise dramatically within seconds. This can lead to temperatures reaching up to 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,800 degrees Fahrenheit).

The fire originated from a unit on the 14th floor of a 20-story apartment building. Fire authorities deployed 252 personnel and 79 vehicles to tackle the blaze, which was fully extinguished by 10:42 a.m. During the operation, a total of 89 residents were evacuated from the building.

Interestingly, the unit on the 14th floor did not have a sprinkler system, which authorities believe may have contributed to the severity of the damage. The apartment complex, which houses 950 units, was completed in 1998. At the time, sprinklers were only required for floors 16 and above in buildings taller than six stories.

According to data from the National Fire Agency, 65 percent of apartment complexes built before 2004 lack sprinkler systems. This includes 28,820 out of 44,208 buildings. Sprinklers became mandatory in all apartment buildings with 11 floors or more starting in 2004.

This tragic event highlights the importance of updated safety measures in older buildings. As investigations continue into the cause of the fire, the community is left reeling from the loss and seeking answers about how such a disaster could occur.

Key Details from the Incident

• Date and Time: The fire occurred on August 17 at approximately 8:10 a.m.
• Location: Changjeon-dong, Mapo District, western Seoul.
• Casualties: Two fatalities and 13 injuries.
• Cause Suspected: Battery explosion leading to thermal runaway.
• Fire Response: 252 firefighters and 79 vehicles dispatched; fire extinguished by 10:42 a.m.
• Building Features: No sprinklers on the 14th floor, which was constructed in 1998.
• Sprinkler Requirements: Mandatory for buildings with 11 floors or more since 2004.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus will be on understanding the circumstances that led to this tragedy and implementing preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.