Caught On Video: Passengers Flee In Panic As South Korean Man Sets Metro Carriage Ablaze

Last Updated:June 27, 2025, 16:00 IST

A 67-year-old South Korean man, Won, set fire to a packed Seoul Metro carriage on May 31, injuring six and causing $220,000 in damages.

In the footage, the man is seen pouring flammable liquid across the floor. (Image Credit: X)

Terrifying CCTV footage captured the moment a 67-year-old South Korean man set fire to a packed metro carriage in Seoul, sending commuters scrambling for their lives. The man, identified by his surname Won, has since been charged with attempted murder, arson and violating the Railroad Safety Act.

The incident occurred on May 31 during peak hours on the Seoul Metro. In the footage released by the court, Won is seen reaching into his bag, pulling out a bottle and pouring flammable liquid across the floor as well as around passengers.

Within seconds, chaos erupts in the metro carriage as commuters are seen dashing for exits and slipping on the fuel-slick floor. As the passengers escaped, flames engulfed the carriage, as captured in the clip.

Watch video here:

Authorities said that Won’s actions endangered the lives of 160 passengers- of which six people were injured and 23 others were treated at hospitals for smoke inhalation and related injuries.

“Spraying a large amount of gasoline on a subway used by an unspecified number of passengers and then setting it on fire, causing a large-scale fire and spreading toxic gases, is an act of murder tantamount to terrorism," prosecutors told Yonhap News Agency.

The fire caused over 300 million won (approximately £161,000 / $220,000) in damages as one metro carriage was completely destroyed while two others sustained heavy smoke damage, local media reported.

Location :

South Korea

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News world Caught On Video: Passengers Flee In Panic As South Korean Man Sets Metro Carriage Ablaze