Another firefighter who responded to Itaewon disaster found dead in July

People walk through the street of the Itaewon disaster accident site in Itaewon, Yongsan District, Seoul, Oct. 29, 2024. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

Another firefighter who took part in rescue efforts at the scene of the deadly Itaewon disaster was found dead last month, weeks before a 30-year-old firefighter who was also deployed to the crowd crush scene was found dead this week after suffering from depression related to the event.

A 44-year-old firefighter from the Goseong Fire Station in South Gyeongsang Province, was found dead at his home on July 29.

Like the firefighter who was found dead on Wednesday, he had also been dispatched to the Itaewon disaster site as part of the Yongsan Fire Department unit.

There are indications that trauma from the Itaewon disaster may have played a role in his death. Until the end of February this year, he had been stationed in Seoul before being transferred to the Goseong Fire Station in South Gyeongsang Province. Around the time of his transfer, he applied for government-approved occupational injury treatment due to trauma but received a denial from the Ministry of Personnel Management in June.

He died during the 90-day appeal period.

The occupational injury treatment program provides medical support and compensation for civil servants who develop illnesses or sustain injuries in the line of duty. Once approved, the government covers related medical costs, and if additional treatment is needed, the period can be extended for up to three years. Retired officials can also apply for disability benefits.

It was also confirmed that after transferring to Goseong, he took medical leave in March, returned to duty in May, and died just two months later. His family is preparing to apply for posthumous recognition of his death as duty-related.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.