Police Seek Arrest Warrant for Suspect in Seoul Subway Arson


Seoul: Police on Sunday filed for an arrest warrant for a man in custody for setting a fire inside a subway train in western Seoul the previous day. The suspect, who is in his 60s, was caught after allegedly setting fire to pieces of clothing inside subway Line No. 5 as it traveled between Yeouinaru and Mapo stations early on Saturday morning. He had boarded the train with a lighter-type torch and a fuel container.



According to Yonhap News Agency, the suspect has reportedly admitted to the arson during police questioning and told them that he set the fire out of anger at the outcome of his divorce suit. The Seoul Southern District Court will hold a hearing Monday to decide whether to approve the arrest warrant for the suspect.



Police identified the suspect due to the significant amount of soot on his hands when he was carried out on a stretcher from the platform at Yeouinaru Station. They apprehended the man at the scene.



More than 400 passengers managed to escape through the tunnel, with some inhaling smoke and sustaining minor injuries, though no one was seriously hurt.