Seoul: A fire broke out at a logistics center operated by retail giant Coupang Inc. in the western port city of Incheon, resulting in the injury of one firefighter, authorities reported.
According to Yonhap News Agency, authorities received a report of a blaze on the sixth floor of the facility at 6:54 a.m. A total of 121 individuals, including logistics workers, were evacuated from the building, officials stated. One firefighter sustained injuries while combating the fire.
Authorities initiated a Level 1 response at nearby fire stations, deploying their entire staff at approximately 9:15 a.m. A total of 219 personnel and 79 pieces of equipment were dispatched to the scene to address the incident. Fire officials indicated that while the chance of the blaze spreading is low, controlling the fire may take time due to the presence of flammable materials within the logistics center.
An investigation into the exact cause of the fire will commence once the blaze is fully extinguished. President Lee Jae Myung instructed authorities to make every effort to extinguish the fire and reduce damage. "Devote all available resources to extinguishing the fire and take every possible measure to prevent the damage from spreading," Lee was quoted as saying by Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. Emphasis was placed on ensuring thorough safety measures for the firefighters on the scene.
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook also emphasized the importance of safety measures for both nearby residents and firefighters involved in tackling the fire. Coupang issued a public apology, expressing regret for the incident and pledging full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. "We sincerely apologize to the residents of Incheon and the people of Korea for causing concern," Coupang's statement read. The company committed to prioritizing firefighter safety, providing full support for firefighting operations, and actively cooperating with relevant authorities during the investigation.