A woman in South Korea accidentally set her apartment building on fire while trying to kill a cockroach with a makeshift flamethrower, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. The incident highlights the dangers of improvised pest control methods in residential areas.
The fire erupted on Monday in the northern city of Osan, when a woman in her 20s used a lighter and flammable spray to target a cockroach in her home. Flames quickly spread to combustible items, igniting a blaze that engulfed the multi-story building. Thick smoke filled the stairways, obstructing primary escape routes and forcing residents to seek alternative ways to safety. Emergency services responded promptly, but the intensity of the fire complicated rescue efforts.
One victim was a Chinese national in her 30s who lived on the fifth floor with her husband and their two-month-old baby. Upon realizing the danger, the couple opened their window and called for help from neighbors. They successfully handed their infant to a resident in an adjacent building before attempting to evacuate themselves. The husband managed to climb over to the next block, but the woman fell from the window during the maneuver. She was rushed to a hospital but pronounced dead hours later due to injuries sustained in the fall.
South Korean police announced plans to seek an arrest warrant for the woman responsible for starting the fire. She faces charges of accidentally causing a fire and death by negligence, as she admitted to previously using the hazardous method for pest control. Investigators are examining the scene to determine the full sequence of events and gather evidence for legal proceedings. The woman’s actions have drawn scrutiny from authorities emphasizing the importance of fire safety.
The affected building houses commercial shops on the first floor and 32 residential units from the second to fifth floors. In addition to the fatality, eight other residents suffered smoke inhalation and received medical treatment for minor injuries. The fire caused extensive property damage, displacing several families and disrupting daily life in the community. Local officials are assessing the structural integrity and coordinating temporary housing for those affected.
This tragedy mirrors past incidents where unconventional pest control led to fires, such as a 2018 case in Australia where a man set his kitchen ablaze using a similar homemade flamethrower. Social media videos have popularized these risky techniques, despite warnings from safety experts about the perils of using flammable substances indoors. The event has sparked concerns over public awareness and the need for education on safer alternatives.
Authorities in Osan are reviewing building safety protocols and considering initiatives to prevent similar occurrences. This includes potential regulations on the storage of flammable materials and community drills for emergency evacuations. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and ensuring accountability. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how everyday actions can have devastating consequences when safety measures are overlooked.