YANGJU, GYEONGGI PROVINCE—A routine task at a public bathhouse turned disastrous on Saturday morning when a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder exploded, injuring 28 people, including staff and patrons, at a jjimjilbang (Korean spa and sauna) in Jangheung-myeon, Yangju.
The explosion occurred at approximately 10:17 a.m. local time on September 27, causing immediate chaos and resulting in three serious injuries and 25 minor injuries. The three seriously wounded—comprising one staff member and two patrons—were rushed to nearby medical facilities, including Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital and Eulji University Hospital. Approximately 70 other employees and customers managed to evacuate the premises quickly following the blast.
Investigation Points to Ignition of Gas Leak
The South Korean Fire Department (Fire Authority) responded rapidly to the emergency, deploying 17 pieces of equipment and 42 personnel to the scene to conduct rescue and emergency medical operations. Officials stated that the number of casualties could still rise as the investigation continues.
According to a Fire Authority official, the explosion was an accident rooted in a critical safety failure. The incident occurred while a staff member was attempting to use a torch connected to a 20-kilogram LPG cylinder to ignite firewood.
"The employee was using the torch, but the flame went out," the official explained. "Only the gas continued to vent. When the employee attempted to re-ignite the torch, the accumulated gas ignited, causing the cylinder to explode."
Safety Concerns Raised as Police Launch Probe
The severity of the blast highlights ongoing safety concerns surrounding the use and handling of pressurized gas in public facilities. LPG, a common fuel source in South Korea, poses a significant risk if leaks are not detected or if ignition sources are present.
The local police and fire authorities have launched a joint investigation to determine the precise cause and circumstances leading to the explosion. Their inquiry will focus on whether proper safety protocols were followed by the staff and if the equipment, including the LPG cylinder and torch, met required safety standards. The final findings will be crucial for holding responsible parties accountable and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The community is now grappling with the aftermath of the explosion, hoping for the speedy recovery of the victims injured in what should have been a relaxing weekend outing.
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