Elderly man suspected of arson arrested after fire on Seoul subway stops trains

An elderly man suspected of arson was arrested at Yeouinaru Station around 9:45 a.m. Saturday morning after allegedly lighting a fire on a subway train on Line No. 5.

Passengers who were evacuated from the Line No. 5 subway due to a suspected arson are being treated at the Mapo Staton on May 31. [LEE YOUNG-KEUN]

An elderly man suspected of arson was arrested at Yeouinaru Station around 9:45 a.m. Saturday morning after allegedly lighting a fire on a subway train on Line No. 5. The incident temporarily suspended trains traveling between Yeouido and Aeogae stations, according to Seoul Metro.

A total of 400 passengers were aboard the affected subway train and were evacuated through a tunnel. The man was seen boarding the train carrying a gasoline container and reportedly set fire to his clothing, according to Yonhap News.

A total of 21 passengers on the train where the incident took place were sent to hospitals due to smoke inhalation and injuries, according to local authorities Saturday. But no casualties were reported.

The fire was put out by a passenger and the train driver with an extinguisher placed inside the train carriage. It was completely put out at around 10:24 a.m.

A total of 166 firefighters and 60 police officers were mobilized tor respond to the incident.

Passengers of Line No. 5 subway evacuate through a tunnel on the morning of May 31 after a fire broke out inside the compartment. [YONHAP]

Seoul Metro said Saturday it will strengthen security at all stations and trains under its authority until June 3 to prevent any similar cases, in cooperation with relevant agencies.

Updated, May 31: Added information about possible cause of fire. Story also updated as subway resumed operations. Further updates added about fire cause, injuries and emergency response.

BY JIN EUN-SOO [jin.eunsoo@joongang.co.kr]