An unusual and tragic incident in the northern South Korean city of Asan has captured international attention. According to reports from The Guardian and The Observer, a 20-year-old woman accidentally set her apartment building on fire while attempting to kill a cockroach a disaster that resulted in the death of one neighbor and injuries to several others.
Foreign media sources state that the woman used a flame thrower to burn the insect, which quickly ignited nearby household items. Within minutes, the fire spread throughout the building, forcing residents into desperate attempts to escape.
According to The Observer, one of the victims a 30-year-old Chinese woman living on the fifth floor jumped from a window in a bid to save herself but tragically lost her life. She had been living with her husband and two-month-old baby. As the flames blocked exits, the couple managed to pass their baby safely through a window to a neighbor in the adjacent block. The husband climbed to safety, but his wife could not escape in time.
Authorities confirmed that several other residents sustained injuries in the incident. Police officials stated they are seeking an arrest warrant for the woman on charges of negligence leading to death and accidental arson.
The woman reportedly told investigators that she used the flame thrower to kill a cockroach, admitting she had used the same method before without incident but this time, the fire spread uncontrollably through her apartment.
