A man in his 60s has been arrested in South Korea after allegedly setting fire to a subway train in Seoul, reportedly out of anger over a divorce lawsuit outcome, according to police sources and eyewitness accounts.
The incident occurred on Seoul Subway Line 5 on a train travelling between Yeouinaru and Mapo stations at approximately 8:43 a.m. on Saturday. Commuters on board were left stunned when the suspect, said to be carrying a lighter torch and a fuel container, allegedly ignited pieces of clothing, causing panic inside the carriage.
Fortunately, the fire was quickly extinguished, and no casualties were reported. Authorities said emergency protocols were immediately activated to manage the situation and evacuate passengers safely.
Divorce Rage Linked to Public Arson Incident
Initial investigations suggest that the suspect was deeply disgruntled over a recent court decision regarding his divorce, prompting what appears to be a pre-meditated act of arson on public transport.
Witnesses recounted seeing the man act erratically before the flames erupted. He was subdued by passengers and train staff before emergency responders arrived on the scene. Police confirmed that he brought accelerants onboard, indicating clear intent to cause damage.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police have since detained the man for questioning and are considering charges related to arson, public endangerment, and violation of safety laws on mass transit.
Authorities Urge Calm, Vow to Tighten Subway Security
In light of the shocking event, South Korean authorities are reviewing security measures across the subway network, including random bag checks and CCTV monitoring at major stations.
Transportation officials reminded the public that flammable items are strictly prohibited on trains and stressed the importance of vigilance from commuters.
This disturbing case of “divorce rage” leading to an arson attempt has sparked discussions about mental health support, especially for older individuals dealing with personal crises. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspect’s motives and whether any previous threats had been made.