Six women were hospitalized after an accidental discharge of a gas gun at a cultural center in Incheon.
According to police and fire authorities, the incident occurred at 9:07 a.m. inside the Cheongna Cultural Center in Seohae-gu, Incheon. The women, aged between 40 and 60, reported pain in their eyes and were transported to a hospital by emergency services for treatment.
Fire authorities dispatched 79 firefighters and 24 vehicles to the scene to conduct safety measures, including gas neutralization. A temporary medical station was also set up to assess any additional injuries, indicating that the number of hospitalizations could increase.
Police believe the incident occurred when an 80-year-old man, identified as A, handed a self-defense gas gun to a 70-year-old acquaintance, B, at the center's swimming pool. A had owned the gas gun, shaped like a pistol, for a long time and decided to give it to B, believing he no longer needed it due to his age.
Authorities are investigating the possibility that one of the men accidentally discharged the gun while handling it. A police spokesperson stated, "We have determined that the gas gun was not exploded but was discharged due to mishandling, and it does not appear to have been aimed at anyone in particular."
Police are conducting voluntary interviews with A and B while verifying the legality of the gas gun's possession and the transfer process. If any violations are found, those involved may face charges under laws concerning the safety management of firearms, knives, and explosives.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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