Teenager with intellectual disability sets fire to home over meal dispute

Police in Chungju, South Korea, have arrested a teenage boy on suspicion of arson after he allegedly set fire to his own home. The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a meal.

The 10-something male, who is said to have an intellectual disability, is accused of placing clothing on a gas stove in his residence, igniting a blaze. According to reports, the boy had expressed anger towards his mother for not preparing food for him.

The fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon in a multi-family dwelling in Gyohyeon-dong, Chungju. Flames spread to the living room and damaged some household items before firefighters extinguished the blaze about 10 minutes later. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.

Authorities are currently investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the event, gathering statements from the teenager and his mother to understand the sequence of events leading to the fire.