Coupang issued an official apology over the fire at its Incheon logistics center, saying it would actively support firefighting efforts and cooperate with investigations by the relevant authorities. It also plans to provide support to residents living near the fire scene.
Chung Jong-chul, head of Coupang Fulfillment Services (CFS), said in a statement on the 18th, "We are deeply sorry for causing concern to many people due to the fire at the Incheon logistics center," and added, "We once again bow our heads in apology to Incheon residents and the public."
Chung said, "We reported the fire to 119 immediately after becoming aware of it, and the fire authorities responded swiftly, allowing all employees who were in the logistics center at the time to evacuate safely."
He continued, "We are deeply grateful to the firefighters who are devoted to preventing the spread of the fire at the scene," and added, "We wish a speedy recovery to the firefighter injured during the suppression efforts."
He added, "We will prioritize firefighters' safety, actively support on-site firefighting operations, and faithfully cooperate with the authorities' investigation into the cause of the fire," and said, "We also plan to actively promote support for local residents experiencing inconvenience due to this fire."
The fire broke out at about 6:54 a.m. on the 6th floor of Coupang's 32nd logistics center in Seoknam-dong, Seohae-gu, Incheon, on the morning of the 18th. All 121 people, including employees who were inside the building at the time, evacuated on their own, and so far there have been no reported civilian casualties. However, one firefighter in his 40s inhaled smoke during the suppression efforts and was transported to a hospital.
The fire authorities issued first- and second-stage response orders in succession in the morning, then invoked the national firefighting mobilization order and are continuing the suppression work. About 400 personnel, including firefighters and police, and roughly 150 pieces of equipment have been deployed at the scene.
However, because the interior is a large logistics warehouse with a three-tier rack structure and large quantities of combustibles such as household goods are stored, and because heavy smoke and high heat make internal entry by firefighters difficult, suppression efforts have continued for a long time. The fire authorities, also considering the possibility of structural collapse, are refraining from forcing entry and are focusing on an exterior-centered suppression strategy to bring the flames under control.