[26.04.12] Wando Fire Explosion Kills Firefighters

Second Explosion at Wando Cold Storage Fire…Two Firefighters Killed in Line of Duty

📍Explosion occurred three minutes after re-entry…one was a groom-to-be, the other a father of three

Two firefighters were killed in the line of duty during a second explosion while responding to a fire at a seafood processing plant in Wando, South Jeolla Province. The explosion occurred just three minutes after firefighters re-entered the site following initial suppression of the fire. One of the deceased was preparing for marriage, while the other was a veteran firefighter and father of three, deepening the sense of tragedy.

🔹 Fire breaks out during torch work…cold storage facility fire

At approximately 8:25 a.m. on the 12th, a fire broke out at a seafood processing factory in Gunoe-myeon, Wando County, South Jeolla Province. The report was made by a factory worker, who stated that the fire started while using a torch to remove epoxy coating from the floor. At the time of the incident, the factory was not in operation, and only two workers were inside.

🔹 Initial suppression completed, followed by re-entry…conditions rapidly worsen

Fire authorities arrived at the scene at 8:31 a.m. and immediately began suppression efforts. One worker who had inhaled smoke was transported to a hospital, and seven firefighters entered the building, completing the initial fire suppression within about 10 minutes.

The cold storage facility where the fire occurred was constructed with urethane panels, and it is believed that a significant amount of flammable material was present inside. Firefighters continued extinguishing remaining flames by cutting through wall sections using equipment.

🔹 Smoke reappears, firefighters re-enter…second explosion occurs after three minutes

At around 8:47 a.m., smoke was observed again inside the facility, marking a sudden change in conditions. Seven firefighters re-entered the building to handle remaining hotspots.

Approximately three minutes later, an unexpected explosion occurred. The incident commander immediately issued an evacuation order via radio, but Fire Lieutenant Park Seung-won (44) of the Wando Fire Station and Firefighter Noh Tae-young (31) of the Haenam Fire Station were unable to escape.

🔹 Bodies recovered after rescue efforts…found near entrance

Fellow firefighters immediately began rescue operations. At 10:02 a.m., Lieutenant Park was found about five meters from the entrance of the cold storage facility. At 11:23 a.m., Firefighter Noh was found approximately three meters from the entrance. The fire was fully extinguished at 11:26 a.m.

🔹 Flashover and rollover suspected…rapid fire spread

Authorities believe the incident was caused by flashover and rollover phenomena. Initially, no significant flames were visible inside, but flammable gases from epoxy and urethane had accumulated near the ceiling and ignited simultaneously under high temperatures, resulting in a rapid spread of flames.

During this process, intense flames erupted suddenly, severely limiting visibility inside the structure. It is believed that the firefighters were unable to evacuate and became trapped.

🔹 The two fallen firefighters…a groom-to-be and a veteran father

Firefighter Noh was reportedly preparing for his wedding in October. Due to personnel shortages, he had been handling multiple roles, including emergency medical services, fire engine driving, and fire suppression duties.

Lieutenant Park was a 19-year veteran firefighter and a father of three. Colleagues remembered him as a considerate senior who took great care of his juniors.

🔹 President expresses condolences…orders stronger safety measures

President Lee Jae-myung expressed deep condolences, stating that the firefighters ran toward the most dangerous scenes to protect the lives and safety of citizens and fulfilled their duties to the very end. The government also stated that it would take this incident seriously and conduct a comprehensive review of on-site safety management systems to prevent recurrence.

🔹 Experts call for improved equipment and rescue systems

Experts pointed out that existing firefighting gear is insufficient to cope with flashover conditions and emphasized the need for more effective equipment reinforcement.

They also stressed the importance of strengthening rescue response systems, suggesting that the introduction of systems such as Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT), which are used in the United States, should be considered.

One-line summary : Two firefighters were killed in a secondary explosion during a fire response in Wando, raising urgent concerns over on-site safety measures.