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Suspected arson attack at Samsung warehouse cost $25.5 mln, 1 dead

May 26, 2015
Forensic officials are conducting an examination on May 26, 2015 at the site of the fire, which broke out at a facility owned by Cheil Industries Inc. on May 25, located in Gimpo, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)

Forensic officials are conducting an examination on May 26, 2015 at the site of the fire, which broke out at a facility owned by Cheil Industries Inc. on May 25, located in Gimpo, west of Seoul. (Yonhap)

SEOUL/GIMPO, South Korea, May 26 (Yonhap) — A fire which broke out at a Samsung-owned warehouse west of Seoul and killed a security guard is estimated to have inflicted some 28 billion won (US$25.5 million) worth of damages, investigators said Tuesday.

The fire broke out early Monday at the facility owned by Cheil Industries Inc., a major Samsung Group affiliate whose business covers fashion, burning nearly half of the 62,518 square-meter warehouse.

“There were 1,600 tons of clothing inside the warehouse,” a fire official said. “While the amount may increase down the road, the damage estimated up to now stands at 28 billion won.”

Police, meanwhile, said they have identified a suspect behind the alleged arson attack.

“Although we have his identity, we cannot provide details as we are still pursuing him,” a police official said.

A man in his 50s was seen in security footage at the warehouse moving a plastic box into an elevator about one hour before the fire was reported, the police had said earlier.