Two firefighters recognized as Itaewon disaster victims due to trauma-related deaths

Two firefighters who responded to the Itaewon crowd crush in October 2022 have been officially recognized as victims, with their deaths attributed to psychological trauma sustained from the incident. These firefighters are now recorded as the 161st and 162nd victims, following the recognition of a shop owner as the 160th victim in June.

The 10.29 Itaewon Disaster Special Investigation Committee (SIC) approved investigation reports on the two firefighters during its 64th committee meeting. The SIC concluded, based on official records, witness testimonies, and expert consultations, that both firefighters experienced severe psychological aftereffects and trauma following the disaster, which ultimately led to their deaths.

One firefighter, identified as Mr. Nam from the Yongsan Fire Station, was on his day off but responded to the emergency, participating in rescue and body recovery operations. He subsequently suffered from extreme mood swings, social withdrawal, and depression, requiring psychiatric treatment. His application for workers' compensation due to the incident was denied in June of the previous year, and he died about a month later. The SIC noted that the denial of his claim likely exacerbated his feelings of frustration and helplessness.

The other firefighter, Mr. Park from the Michuhol Fire Station in Incheon, served as a paramedic at the scene, responsible for triaging and transporting casualties. His family and colleagues described him as normally cheerful and outgoing, but he became withdrawn and exhibited symptoms of anxiety, including auditory hallucinations and depression, after the Itaewon disaster. He was found dead in August of the previous year after being reported missing.

Separately, the SIC presented interim findings on the initial response failures by the Yongsan District Office's Disaster Safety Situation Room. The investigation revealed that the district office handled nighttime and holiday disaster situations under a general on-duty system rather than a dedicated disaster management structure. Furthermore, insufficient training and oversight were provided to on-duty personnel for managing, reporting, and disseminating information during emergencies. The report also reiterated previous findings that key disaster management personnel were diverted to remove flyers criticizing the president just before the disaster occurred, based on instructions from the then-Yongsan District Mayor Park Hee-young.

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We received expert opinions that the denial of the application for care likely deepened his sense of frustration and helplessness.