25.08.17.Today News : Firefighter Missing for a Week After Suffering Depression Following Itaewon Tragedy

Firefighter Missing for a Week After Suffering Depression Following Itaewon Tragedy

• Despite joint search efforts, no progress yet… Family distributes flyers and appeals on social media

A firefighter who developed depression after responding to the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush has been missing for a week. Police and fire authorities are conducting joint search operations, while his family continues to appeal desperately through flyers and social media.

A firefighter who responded to the Itaewon tragedy is now missing after suffering from severe depression, and police and firefighters are searching for him after a week without any news.

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• Deep Scars After the Tragedy

The missing firefighter, identified as A (34) from a fire station in Incheon, was dispatched to the Itaewon disaster site in October 2022. After witnessing the horrific scene, he suffered severe psychological trauma and was diagnosed with depression, undergoing continued treatment. In a past interview, he recalled, “It was unbearable to place the deceased in the designated black zone. Thinking about the grief of the victims’ parents was overwhelming.”

• A Note of Apology Before Disappearance

According to the Incheon Fire Headquarters, A disappeared around 2:30 a.m. on the 10th after parking his car near the Nam Incheon Tollgate. He left a note for family and friends saying, “I’m sorry.” His phone’s last signal was detected near an apartment complex in Seochang-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon.

• Search Efforts Yet No Clues

Police and fire authorities immediately launched a joint search, mobilizing rescue teams, drones, and search dogs, but no significant progress has been made. Investigators are analyzing CCTV footage and seeking eyewitness reports to track his whereabouts.

• Family’s Desperate Plea

A’s family has been distributing flyers both offline and online, pleading for information. His younger sibling described his physical features in detail on social media: broad shoulders, a muscular build, wearing white slippers, a Nike t-shirt, and an Adidas cap. His gait was described as heavy and distinct. The family urged, “Even the smallest piece of information could help. Please contact us if you know anything.”

• The Need for Support for First Responders

The case highlights the ongoing struggles of first responders exposed to traumatic disaster sites. Experts stress the importance of providing systematic, long-term mental health support to firefighters and paramedics, noting the risks of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

One-line summary : A firefighter who suffered depression after the Itaewon tragedy has been missing for a week, prompting search efforts by family and authorities.