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Suspected Arson Blast at Gyeongsan Apartment Office Injures Eight

Investigators are probing whether the explosion was a premeditated attack tied to a long-running dispute between a resident and building management with damaged surveillance cited as a key lead.

This photo, provided by fire authorities on July 23, 2026, shows firefighters gathered at an apartment facilities office in Gyeongsan, about 250 kilometers southeast of Seoul, where a fire broke out. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Police investigators retrieve evidence from the scene of arson at an apartment management office in the southeastern city of Gyeongsan on July 23, 2026. (Yonhap)
Authorities inspect an apartment management office where a fire broke out in a suspected arson attack in Gyeongsan, about 250 kilometers southeast of Seoul. (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • Emergency crews say an explosion and fire tore through the apartment complex management office at 8:29 a.m. on July 23 and firefighters put the blaze out in about 20 minutes.
  • Eight people were injured, including five elderly residents at a senior community center opposite the office, and at least one victim is in critical condition.
  • Police booked a male resident in his 70s on suspicion of setting fire to an occupied building and causing injuries after he was taken to a Daegu specialist hospital with burns.
  • Witnesses and police say the suspect entered carrying what appeared to be a flammable substance, left after an explosion, returned with a knife and was disarmed and arrested by officers at the scene.
  • Authorities are conducting forensics and interviewing residents after reports that power cords to surveillance cameras were cut and that the suspect had a long-running conflict with management, and officials say the investigation will focus on motive and premeditation.