Police Add 3 Executives to Daejeon Fire Investigation; Alarm Disabled Confirmed
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Police have additionally booked three executives, including the vice president, from Daejeon Safety Industry in connection with a fire that killed 14 people.
- The investigation confirmed that a company official turned off the fire alarm system after the blaze began, contradicting initial statements.
- Authorities are continuing their investigation through evidence analysis and witness testimonies, despite the ongoing difficulty in conducting forensic examination due to building collapse.
In the wake of the tragic fire at Daejeon Safety Industry that claimed the lives of 14 individuals, South Korean police have escalated their investigation by bringing additional company executives into custody. The latest development includes the booking of three more officials, notably the vice president, who co-managed the company with the CEO. This brings the total number of individuals booked in connection with the incident to eight.
The investigation has uncovered critical information regarding the company's response to the fire. A key witness, who initially denied involvement, has now admitted to disabling the fire alarm system—including the siren and broadcast functions—in the main office building shortly after the fire broke out. This admission is crucial as it points towards potential negligence or deliberate actions that may have hampered evacuation efforts.
After the fire broke out, the alarm system's switch (siren, main bell, zone bell, broadcast) in the main building's fire receiver was all turned off at the same time.
Despite the challenges posed by the collapsed factory structure, which has hindered immediate forensic examination of the fire site, the police are pressing forward. They are meticulously analyzing seized evidence and conducting further interviews with witnesses and involved parties. The focus remains on piecing together the sequence of events and establishing accountability for the devastating loss of life.
The Daejeon National Police Agency's dedicated investigation team is committed to uncovering the full truth behind the tragedy. Their thorough approach, involving interviews with 86 current and former employees, 14 bereaved family members, and 13 individuals from partner companies and public institutions, underscores the gravity of the situation and the determination to ensure justice for the victims.
The relevant official initially stated in the police investigation that 'I approached the fire receiver first, but I didn't turn it off,' but later changed his statement to 'I turned it off.' This official has already been booked.
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