On the first day of the new year, an explosion occurred at a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) station in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, injuring five people, with two in critical condition.
On January 1st, at 8:41 PM, the Gangwon Fire Department reported that a gas station in Jangpyeong-ri, Yongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, exploded, leading to a subsequent fire. Two individuals suffered severe burns, while the other three were classified as having minor injuries and were transported to the hospital.
Prior to the explosion, the police and fire authorities received reports stating, "There is a significant gas leak at the charging station." At the scene just before the accident, smoke, presumed to be gas, lingered heavily on the ground for tens of meters. Responding to the reports, the fire department dispatched 41 pieces of equipment, including pump trucks, and deployed 121 personnel to suppress the fire.
A spokesperson for the fire department stated, "Currently, the fire at the charging station has been contained, but the flames have spread to nearby parked vehicles and a car wash area, requiring ongoing efforts to extinguish them."
Pyeongchang-gun issued a disaster text message to residents, advising those near the gas charging station to evacuate to a safe location and directing vehicles to take alternative routes.
Once the fire is fully extinguished, the police and fire authorities, in collaboration with the Gas Safety Corporation and other relevant agencies, plan to conduct a thorough investigation into the extent of the damage and the cause of the explosion.