South Korean authorities are investigating a flamethrower fire incident that killed a resident in Osan city. The fire erupted after a woman attempted to kill a cockroach using a homemade flamethrower.
The woman, in her 20s, told police she combined a lighter with flammable spray, a method she said she had used before. However, on Monday, household items ignited, sparking a blaze that spread through the apartment building.
Tragically, one neighbor, a Chinese woman in her 30s, fell while trying to escape through a window and later died. She lived on the fifth floor with her husband and two-month-old baby. The couple handed their baby to a nearby neighbor before attempting to evacuate themselves.
The husband successfully climbed to the adjacent building, but his wife fell and succumbed to her injuries hours later in the hospital. Police believe the couple tried escaping through the window because thick smoke blocked the stairway. Eight other residents suffered smoke inhalation but survived.
Authorities said the building housed commercial shops on the first floor and 32 residential units above. The woman responsible could face charges including accidental fire and negligent homicide.
Experts warn that using blowtorches or homemade flamethrowers to kill pests has become a dangerous trend on social media. Similar incidents have occurred abroad, including a 2018 case in Australia where a man set fire to his kitchen attempting to kill cockroaches.
Fire safety officials urge residents to avoid flammable chemicals and improvised devices. They recommend using approved insect control methods and ensuring functional smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are in place.
The flamethrower fire incident highlights the risks of experimenting with household fires. Authorities emphasized the need for public awareness and stricter safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
Investigators continue examining the building and interviewing residents. Officials plan to review emergency procedures and advise tenants on safe evacuation strategies.
This flamethrower fire incident serves as a grim reminder that minor actions with fire can lead to deadly consequences.
